Cecilia Mary Allen

Cecilia Mary (Cahoj) Allen, “Ceci” 102, of Brewster, passed away on March 25, 2025, at Prairie Senior Living Center, in Colby, KS. Ceci was a woman of strong faith and quiet spirit, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished grandmother, a precious great grandmother, and a reliable friend.

She was one of ten children, born September 6, 1922, on the family farm east of St. John Church, rural Rawlins County, KS, to Joseph and Mary (Dvorak) Cahoj. Her first eight grades of school were at Prairie View School, 2 ½ miles north of her home. She attended two years of high school in McDonald, KS. The last two years of high school were at the Catholic boarding school, Notre Dame Academy, in Omaha, NE. She attended college at Fort Hays State College, receiving a 3-year teaching certificate, later returning to complete a bachelor’s degree in Education. She was a highly respected teacher for 41 years, acquiring a reputation for helping kids to excel in reading. Although she “officially” retired, she continued to teach her grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren to read well into her 90’s.

On August 10, 1954, she married Everett (Jr.) Allen in Atwood, KS, in a double wedding with her brother. To this marriage three children were born: Nolan, Anita and Donard. They spent their married life in Brewster, both working at the school. After retiring they spent their winters in Tucson, AZ, enjoying hiking and golf. Ceci was a devoted wife and mother. She was very involved in all aspects of her children’s activities including religious education, 4-H and sports. Ceci was renowned for her excellent cooking ability (especially her pecan gooey cinnamon rolls), her love of playing cards, her many years of aerobics, bike rides, and participating in Walk Across Kansas. She was emphatic about card playing to keep your mind healthy and physical activity to keep your body healthy (line dancing until she was 90), she continued to play cards until just a few weeks before passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Emery, William, Leonard, Edward, Agnes, Henry and Henrietta.

Survivors include her sons Nolan (Geralyn) of Hays, Kansas and Donard (Colleen) of Brewster, KS; her daughter Anita (Tony) Horinek of Colby, KS; sisters Mary Ann Reinert, Greeley, CO and Carmelita (David) Berndt, Minneapolis, KS; 10 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Ceci’s strong reliance on God, generosity and exemplary work ethic will live on in her family (and most likely her love of playing cards).

The family will be celebrating her life at Baalmann Mortuary starting with a visitation from 5:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with a Vigil to follow at 7:00 pm. The funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby, KS on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A luncheon at the Catholic Church will be held after the burial services. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorial contributions are to Sacred Heart Church, Colby, or the Salina Diocese, may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com