Merlyn Allen
June 21, 1935 to September 1, 2021

Merlyn Allen, 86, of Rancho Mirage, CA went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 1st, while at home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Bellingham, Washington on June 21st, 1935, the youngest daughter of Vernal and Birdie Hissong. After her parents passed, Merlyn moved to Blythe when she was eleven years old to live with her grandparents where she attended local schools and graduated from Palo Verde High School. After graduation, Merlyn married her high school sweetheart, Frank Allen. They were married for 48 years until Frank's passing in 2002.

Merlyn was a loving and devoted mom. She, along with husband Frank, raised their three children with high morals and integrity and most importantly, to love God which led to each making a decision to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. In addition to her roles of wife and mom, Merlyn devoted over 40 years of her life as a faithful and dedicated employee of the County of Riverside, beginning with the school district, then after a few years of break in service to have her children, she once again served the community of Blythe and surrounding areas within the Department of Public Social Services and transferring to several other County departments with her last transfer to the Community Action Department. Merlyn's passion for helping her fellow man was found within the Community Action Department. Additionally, Merlyn was appointed to serve on the Riverside County Parks Commission, served on countless committees and volunteered her time and energy to help the residents of Palo Verde Valley. She also was responsible for negotiating an agreement between the school district and the County which resulted in new County buildings on Broadway which provided improved and added County services. Upon her retirement in 1999, the County Board of Supervisors proclaimed March 4th as "Merlyn Allen Day" in recognition of her efforts to enhance the quality of life for the people in Eastern Riverside County.

In addition to helping her fellow man, Merlyn enjoyed her family time along with her hobbies of genealogy and scrapbooking. She was a long-time resident of Blythe and member of the First Baptist Church until she moved to be closer to her children.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her sister, parents and grandparents.

Merlyn will be greatly missed by her daughter Janice (Charles) Esch and two sons, Dan (Kari) Allen and Stan Allen. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Brandy (Justin) Scott, Traci (Mike) Rayala, Daniel (Janessa) Allen, Makayla Allen, and Laura Allen. She is also survived by nine great grandchildren, four nieces and seven nephews and sisters-in-law, Sidney Allen and Geri Allen.

Private graveside services will be held September 10, 2021 at Palo Verde Cemetery.