Tootsie Allen

Allegra “Tootsie” Ashlock Allen Obituary

Allegra “Tootsie” Ashlock Allen departed this life on October 1, 2026, at the age of 99. She was born July 12, 1927, in the Mounds community, the fifth child of Jack and Odie Barker Ashlock. She lived her entire life within 12 miles of where she was born. Her grandmother Barker gave her the nickname “Tootsie” when she was a newborn, and it stayed with her throughout her life.

Tootsie graduated from East Prairie High School at the age of 16. After completing a teaching course at Cape College and receiving her teaching certificate, she taught in a rural school. She later entered St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Cairo, Illinois. During that time, she met Leo Allen, who had recently returned from World War II. They married on February 16, 1946, and were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer Lee Bible (Dennis) of Imperial, Missouri, and Roxiann Woody of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Tootsie worked for Prairie Manufacturing Co. for 34 years, retiring as supervisor of the factory’s sewing department. She was a loyal member of First Christian Church from an early age.

Tootsie loved living on the farm she and Leo shared for more than 70 years. Planting and harvest were her favorite seasons, and she enjoyed watching the men work in the fields. She was happiest outdoors, tending her garden or gathering pecans in the fall. She often said she lived in the best place on earth. With wonderful neighbors around her, she could not imagine a better place to call home. She also adored her two dogs, Angel and Teddy, who were dear companions to her.

In addition to her daughters, she is survived by two grandsons, David Allen Bible and Joseph Andrew Bible (Beth); a great-grandson, Peter Bible (fiancée, Fate Edwards); a niece, Nickie Ashlock Taylor; and a nephew, Lee Staples (Kandi).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leo Allen; her parents, Jack and Odie Barker Ashlock; her brothers, Kelly Justin Ashlock and Jack Barker Ashlock; and her sisters, Maxine Kitchen, Col. Thelma Freese, and Joyce Staples.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Charleston, Mo.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to First Christian Church in East Prairie, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or SEMO Pets in Cape Girardeau.