Jean McFarland Allen passed away August 15, 2016, at the age of 96 at Benton House in Prairie Village. She was preceded in death thirteen years by her husband Robert. Jean was born May 4, 1920 in Topeka, Kansas where she lived through her high school years. Daughter-in-law of Kansas basketball coach Forrest C. "Phog" Allen, it was in Topeka where she met her future husband, Bob Allen, when Topeka High School competed against Lawrence High School in the mid-1930s. Jean attended the University of Kansas and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Upon the conclusion of World War II, Jean and Bob were married and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where Bob completed his residency in general surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. In 1950, they made Kansas City their permanent home, where they raised three sons, as Bob practiced surgery at Saint Luke's Hospital. Together, Jean and Bob enjoyed the history-making basketball program at KU, including the building and naming of Allen Field House. Theirs was a storied marriage that spanned 58 remarkable, loving years. As a child, Jean was a gifted equestrienne, devoted to a horse named Duchess. At age twelve, she dove in to rescue her 5-year-old brother who lay motionless at the bottom of a crowded public swimming pool. Later in life, Jean joined Bob in a growing passion for golf at Mission Hills Country Club. She loved organizing golf events, including "Jean's Dream Team," consisting of five friends named Jean and a mixed couples group she dubbed "Sunday Scandals." Jean loved bridge and played once or twice a week well into her 90s. She served in many charitable and service organizations including Junior League, Pembroke Country Day parents groups, Saint Luke's Auxiliary and Staff Wives, the latter of which she served as president. Jean was a vivacious and gregarious friend to many. She had a joy of entertaining, always ready to throw a party or welcome guests to a delicious dinner. She gave precious reminders of lasting friendships in the form of witty limericks, lyrics and poems that she tailored to birthday greetings, songs, party invitations and toasts. Her family especially cherishes the many needlepoint creations she crafted, from Christmas ornaments to Jayhawk pillows to framed memories. Survivors include sons Robert and wife Wanda; John; Mark and wife Louise, five grandchildren: Hilary, Chris, Forrest (Penn), James and Chad; and one great grandchild, Ford. There will be a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Saint Luke's Hospital Auxiliary, 4225 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111. ARA Cremations

Published in Kansas City Star on Aug. 21, 2016