Jacqueline Louise (Anderson) Allen was born September 21, 1931 to Martha Elizabeth Miner and Vernon Rudolph Anderson, in Aberdeen SD. She passed away after a full life of 94 years on May 9, 2026 at West Hills Village, Rapid City, SD.

Baptized in the Methodist church, she was an active Girl Scout, Jobs Daughter Queen, twirled baton and played percussion in the band, graduating in 1949. After 2 years at Northern State Teachers College, she taught 4th grade in Hot Springs, SD. She finished her BA in primary education at USD in 1954 where she was a Pi Beta Phi.

While working as a waitress at Custer State Lodge, she recognized a handsome man who had been washing dishes at the Pi Phi house. This man, Bruce Allen, became her husband in 1955. Following Bruce in his medical training, Jackie taught Kindergarten in Sioux City IA, Philadelphia, PA, and St. Paul MN. The first of four children was born in St. Paul, then Sherman TX, Detroit MI and lastly in Rapid City where she and Bruce decided to live the remainder of their lives.

Early years raising children meant driving to lessons, sports and musical activities with an occasional stop at the YMCA for water aerobics. The Esquire and Canyon Lake club were favorite dancing spots. Jackie learned to ski and enjoyed social and civic clubs, including leadership positions in the Medical Auxiliary, PEO, Questers, Symphony League, Rapid City Beautification committee, and volunteering with the Dahl Fine arts and Journey Museum. She was a 25-year member of the Sons of Norway. She and Bruce loved to entertain at home, hosting many a bridge club and Gourmet club. Her hobbies included hardanger, gardening (especially roses and orchids), scrapbooking, and genealogy. She was a lifelong learner collecting children’s books, poetry, National Geographic magazines, watching movies, listening to music and traveling. She and Bruce were long time members of the New Horizons Band.

The First Presbyterian Church was the backbone of their marriage where they made many friends and she contributed in a variety of capacities.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jon, her beloved husband Bruce, and daughter Dianne. She is survived by Karen Allen Failinger, Susan (Brian) Sheehan, Richard (Claire) Allen, 15 grandchildrenand 6 great grandchildren. Our thanks to the staff at West Hills Village who took care of Jackie and Bruce during the final years of their life.

A celebration of life will be July 11, 2026 at 10am, First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City, Rev. Adam Knutson officiating. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials can be made to The First Presbyterian Church and/or West Hills Foundation, both in Rapid City, SD. Condolences can be sent to www.osheimschmidt.com.