Mary Margaret Phillips Allen, 91, a long-time resident of Urbana, died at 2:20 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009, at Illini Heritage Rehabilitation and Health Care in Champaign.

Arrangements are being handled by Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana.

Ms. Allen was born at home near Deer Station, IL on April 25, 1918, the third child of James Richard and Mary (Corray) Phillips. She is survived by three daughters: Nancy Jo Allen of Urbana, Kathleen Stratton of Santa Cruz, CA, Christine Allen, also of Urbana, one son, James Phillip Allen, also of Santa Cruz, CA, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and one brother.

Ms. Allen was a 1936 graduate of St. Joseph High School and attended Barry Castle Business School in Champaign. She worked as a bookkeeper for her father, James R. Phillip's livestock brokerage, and for the Champaign National Bank, prior to her marriage to Joseph H. Allen on April 9, 1942 at San Antonio, Texas. She farmed with him for many years in Ford and Champaign counties. Their union ended in divorce in 1969.

Ms. Allen worked for the University of Illinois in accounting, retiring in 1980 after 17 years of service. She was an enthusiastic collector of antiques who also enjoyed gardening, reading, films, politics, and studying Native American history. She was especially interested in the Lakota people of the North American plains.

In accordance with her wishes, Ms. Allen is to be cremated and there will be no services. Interment in the family plot at Mount Olive Cemetery will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to Anpetu Luta Otipi, P. O. Box 275, Kyle, SD 57752, a drug and alcohol treatment center for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Youth Shelter, 100 Youth Shelter Drive, Highway 18 Below Old Hospital, Pine Ridge, SD 57770 in care of Pauletta Red Willow, or the American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd., Denver, CO 80221.

Condolences may be made to www.renner-wikoffchapel.com