Jean Marie Allen, age 82, of North Platte slipped peacefully into the presence of Jesus on May 26, 2018.  She was born September 24, 1935 to James and Nellie (Easton) Allen in their home in Frontier County, NE.

She spent 62 years of her life teaching school: one-room schools, and other schools in Cozad, NE and in North Platte, NE.  She said she taught over 1000 students and had many humorous stories to tell.  One in particular seemed to be her favorite: I questioned one little girl after recess.  “Did you have a good time?” “Oh yes,” replied the little girl.  “I swinged and swinged and now I have hemorrhoids.”

Jean also had a great love of horses and raised over 100 colts, several of which later became barrel racers.  She was a long time member of the Velvet Spurs.

Jean had many talents and abilities but the one that was the most financially rewarding was her leather tooling.  She made many belts, wallets, etc. including prizes for the Buffalo Bill rodeos and a guitar strap from a python snake skin for Garth Brooks.

Jean received Jesus as her Savior as a child and loved to share about His sacrifice on the cross and forgiveness of sin with all she knew and met.  She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and did volunteer teaching for several years at the Platte Valley Christian Academy.

Jean had a heart of compassion and gave of herself in whatever way needed to help others including hundreds of hours volunteering.

She is survived by three sisters, Marian Copeland of Eagle Butte, SD, Pauline (Gordon) Gaasch of Broken Bow, NE, and Marilyn (Darrell) Rowan of Hastings, NE; one brother, Jerry Allen of Simla, CO; sister-in-law, Margaret (Richard) Allen of Cambridge, NE; brother-in-law, Raymond (Barbara) Durner.; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews, plus a host of friends.  Her life touched SO many.  She will be greatly missed.

Preceding her in death were her parents; a brother, Richard Allen; sister, Barbara Durner; sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Jerry) Allen; and brothers-in-law, Harold (Marian) Moore, and Vernon (Marian) Copeland.

Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Allen officiating.  Inurnment will take place June 9, 2018 at the Cambridge Cemetery.  Visitation will be noon – 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.