Reta Lu (Mosby) Allen

Reta Lu Allen, 92, resident of Eldorado passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025 at her residence. Reta was born May 26, 1932 to the late A. Burdett and Ama Vern (Edwards) Mosby. On June 4, 1950, two days after her high school graduation, Reta married the love of her life and best friend William “Emil” Allen. They were happily married for 66 years until Emil’s passing on April 29, 2016. Reta was born, raised, and lived within the Oak Grove Community Eldorado her entire life. Similarly, for the last 75 years, she resided on the same farm. There was nothing that meant more to Reta than her family and church. She was a member of Oak Grove General Baptist Church until it closed. She then joined Star General Baptist Church. She also attended Mt. Pleasant Social Brethren Church on Sunday evenings. Reta loved being around her family where they often gathered for large family dinners, fish frys, and weenie roasts. Reta was a Mary Kay consultant, helped Emil on the farm, and babysat for numerous family members. She enjoyed baking, sewing, crocheting and growing flowers. Reta is survived by two children; Larry (Valerie) Allen of Eldorado, Cathy (Larry) Parks of Eldorado. After the death of their mother, Reta and Emil raised and cared for her two younger sisters; Linda and Ama. Reta and Emil were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She is survived by three sisters; Linda (Thomas) Arnold of Carrollton, GA, Ama Miller of Columbia, SC, Roxie Schaar of Evansville, IN, a brother; Bill Mosby of Cave-in-rock, IL, three sisters-in-law; Virginia Mosby, Charlene Mosby, Debbie Mosby and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son; Mike Allen, brothers; Joe Mosby, Eddie Mosby, Jerry Mosby, Webb Mosby, Clyde Mosby, Floyd Mosby and one great grandson. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Star Church in Eldorado with Rev. Aaron Phelps officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until service time at the church. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. In addition to flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Clyde Mosby Scholarship Memorial or the Graham Hosman Scholarship Memorial. Both will be accepted at the church or can be mailed to Colonial Terrace Funeral Home, 700 Fourth Street, Eldorado, IL 62930. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com