The Richmond News, March 14, 2025

Aletha “Allene” Crowley, 91, of Richmond passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Allene was born July 19, 1933, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of John Edward and Zoe Lee (Terrell) Banning.

She was united in marriage to Don Crowley of Rayville on Oct. 21, 1950. He preceded her in death on May 15, 2009.

Survivors include her son, David (Becki) Crowley of Excelsior Springs; and three grandchildren, Matthew (Kelley) Crowley, Drew Crowley and Elizabeth (Bobby) Smith. Other survivors include eight great-grandchildren, Laurren (Dustin) Potter, Taylor Crowley, Kyli Crowley, Bayli Crowley, Faith Crowley, Cole (Victoria) Conner, Eli Smith and Laney Smith; a great-great-granddaughter, Emmersyn Grace Potter; and a sister, Peggy Swope of Prathersville.

In addition to her parents and husband, Allene was preceded in death by two brothers, John Banning and James Banning; two sisters, Anna Mae Swope and Barbara Bryant; and a grandson, Jacob Crowley.

Allene was a godly woman. She loved the Lord with all her heart. She worked alongside her husband Don as he pastored churches for many years.

Allene enjoyed playing softball with a girls team in Rayville. She handled pitching, throwing many a curveball to her favorite catcher, Dixie.

During the 1960s, Allene began working as a substitute mail carrier, advanced to clerk and eventually a fulltime postmaster at the Rayville post office. Allene also enjoyed canning vegetables that Don loved to grow in his garden. Some of the favorite family foods were zucchini relish, bologna salad and peach cobbler.

Allene was a loving grandmother and hosted a Sunday dinner every week for her son and his family. She also loved on her grandchildren as they took many family vacation trips to Colorado. In later years, she loved seeing the autumn aspens with David, Becki and sometimes a great-grandchild. After Don suffered injuries from a car accident, Allene cared for him faithfully for 15 years.

Allene will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Crowley Cemetery Association. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were Wednesday, March 12, at Rayville Christian Union Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the services at 11. Burial was in Crowley Cemetery, Rayville.

Please share your memories of Allene with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.