Dorothy Lucille Olberding Allen, 86, of Lafayette, CO, died on September 12, 2007 at a Broomfield, CO nursing home where she had been a resident since July of 2007.

Lucille, as she was known, was born on January 21, 1921 in Baileyville, KS, a daughter of August C. Olberding and Catherine Ronnebaum Olberding. She attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic schools in Seneca, KS and graduated from high school in 1939.

On April 24, 1948 she married Raymond Allen at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. They were married 59 years. They celebrated their 55th anniversary on a family cruise to the eastern Caribbean and celebrated their 59th anniversary with a family gathering at a local restaurant.

As a young woman, Lucille worked at the JC Penney store on Main Street in Seneca. In 1953, Raymond and Lucille moved their young family to Boulder, CO. She was employed in the Motor Vehicle Division of Boulder County. Due to health complications from rheumatoid arthritis, she was forced to take an early retirement.

Lucille was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from watching her children grow into successful, happy adults and participating in the many activities and events of her growing family. She was a great sports fan and regularly attended the football and basketball games of her sons and grandchildren. She particularly enjoyed watching the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos. For many years, Lucille and Ray were “snowbirds,” wintering in Wellton, AZ. Lucille enjoyed the warm weather and the company of many snowbird friends and family in Wellton. Lucille was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lafayette, CO.

Besides her husband Raymond, she is survived by her four children, Larry and wife Ann, of Phoenix, AZ, Dan and wife Kathleen of Longmont, CO, Connie Strain and husband Max of Westminster, CO, and Terry and wife Lisa of Centennial, CO; a sister, Eileen Olberding Ricker, of Seneca; two brothers, Victor Olberding of Seneca and August Olberding, Jr. of Baileyville, KS; 11 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Laurine, and six brothers, Raymond, Ollie, George, Emmett, Orrin and Vincent.

Rosary and visitation will be held at 7 PM on Sunday, September 16, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM on Monday at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School or the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, and sent in care of Lauer Funeral Home, 212 S. 4th St., Seneca, KS, 66538-2007, or call (785) 336-2101.