Brenda Lee Stricklen (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Brenda Lee Stricklen, daughter of Jack and Dolores Schaefer Allen, was born February 7, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio. She departed this life Tuesday, June 11, 2019, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of sixty-seven years, four months, and four days.
On December 27, 1987, she was united in marriage to Harold Deane Stricklen, and they shared twenty-four years before his passing on October 23, 2012.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Cristy Fox.
Brenda is survived by two brothers, Robert Allen, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Jeff Allen, of Omaha, Nebraska; two sisters-in-law, Betty Stricklen, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Marilyn Stricklen, of the State of Minnesota; three nephews, Michael Fox, Johnathan Fox, and Gabriel Allen; three nieces, Ashley Fox, Lindsay Fox, and Jessica Houseworth; a number of great-nephews and great-nieces; a step-daughter, Megan Stricklen Olsen, of the State of Minnesota; two step-grandchildren, Ben and Sarah; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
She was a devoted servant of her community in many ways, including working for almost twenty years for the University of Missouri Extension office and as a caregiver and home health aide to several elderly area residents. She then helped at Stricklen’s Restaurant and Campground, near Bennett Spring. Later, she and Deane owned and operated Stricklen’s Restaurant near Lebanon for a time. Deane served in the ministry and he and Brenda eventually became co-pastors of the First Christian Church in Hartville, which they loved dearly. After Deane’s passing, Brenda served as the pastor of the church until her passing.
Brenda gave her heart to Jesus at an early age, and was a longtime active member of Southern Heights Christian Church in Lebanon and served in various capacities throughout the years. She often sang as a member of the choir and as a soloist at weddings and funerals. She also was the Vacation Bible School director for several years. For the past twenty years, she had been an active member of the Camino Christian community which extends throughout southwest Missouri. In whatever capacity she served, Brenda did so with a full heart.
She had a wonderful collection of nativity scenes and also Christmas ornaments and other items. She was an avid reader, had delivered meals on wheels and was always helping others. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed family gatherings and time with her nieces and nephews.
Brenda was a loving step-mother, step-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her lifetime. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital may be made through the funeral home.
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