Obituary 

Rutha Mae Allen was born on November 26, 1928, in Lake City, Florida.  She was the fifth child of Reverend Charles H. Rawls and Queenie Bryant Rawls.  She received Jesus Christ at an early age.

Rutha Mae received her education in the Florida public school system, graduating from Richardson High School. 

She later graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. 

Rutha Mae met and married the love of her life, Willie Frank Allen, on September 9, 1950.  He preceded her in death on October 11, 2001.  To this union three children were born, Melvin Dennard Allen, Bruce Warren Allen (deceased), and Michelle Yvette Rodgers. 

Rutha Mae taught in the School District of Lee County for more than 30 years as an elementary school educator.  She was a longtime resident of Fort Myers and a faithful member of St. John First Missionary Baptist Church, where she dutifully served on the finance committee.  She was also a dedicated Silver Star member of Theta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Those left to cherish her memory include a devoted daughter and son, Michelle (Derrick) and Melvin; daughter-in law, Lori Allen; and three grandchildren, Portia C. Allen, Bruce Warren Allen, II and Morgan D. Rodgers. Also left to mourn her passing, one brother and two sisters:  Charles Rawls, Jr. (Helen) of Orlando, Fl.; Minnie Murl Rawls of Newark, N.J., and Minnie Lee Carter of Jupiter, Fl.   Beloved nieces - Angela, Pamela, Linda and Annette; nephews - Mickey, Walter, Frederick and Michael.  Godchildren - Toni Lynn, Garland, Meredith, Nikita, Cheryl and Eddie. Cherished church members and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, sorors and friends.