Jenny Lynn Allford, 87, passed away December 14, 2020, at Brookdale Senior Living, Great Bend, Kan. She was born June 21, 1933, at Thrifty, Texas, to Raymond and Lynna Jo (Pearson) Rucker. Jenny married Robert L. Allford June 3, 1955, at Kermit, Texas. He died Nov. 28, 2016.
Jenny graduated from Kermit High School, Kermit, Texas, in 1949. She attended East Texas State University from 1949-1951, and transferred to Texas Technological University where she received her Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1953.
Jenny, a resident of Great Bend since 1969, was a long time vocal music instructor for USD 428 and area musician. She began her teaching career in 1953 in Plainview, Texas, as a junior high choral music instructor. She moved to the high school the following year and continued teaching in Texas until 1969. In 1969, Jenny accepted the vocal music position at Roosevelt Junior High School in Great Bend. She taught at Roosevelt until 1978, and then moved to Great Bend High School, where she continued to teach vocal music for 16 years, until her retirement in 1994.
Jenny was a current member of First Christian Church, previously holding membership at First United Methodist Church, serving as Director of the Chancel Choir and Chancel Choir accompanist. She had also been the accompanist for the Barton County Choral Society, Lyric Singers Community Chorus, Great Bend Community Theater and Barton County Community Choir. Professionally, Jenny was a member of KMEA, NEA, MENC, American Choral Directors Association, former board member of Barton County Young Men’s Association, 2010 Class of GBHS Hall of Fame., KMEA District 5 Chairman and State Choral Chairman and former officer of Texas MEA.
Survivors include her two sons, Allan Allford and wife Debbie of Scottsdale, Ariz. And Evan Allford and wife Karla of Edmond, Okla.; three grandchildren, Ben Allford, Josh Allford and his wife Lauren, and Abby Holley and husband Rob; and one great grandchild, Molly Allford. She was preceded in passing by her husband, Bob, and one brother, Joe Rucker.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 17, 2021, at First Christian Church, with Pastor Josh Leu presiding. Memorials may be given to U.S.D. 428 Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.