Hildegard Allen Blakney (Karell)

Hildegard Allen Blakney (Karell) passed away at the age of 84 after a brief bout with leukemia. She resided at 500 Wilcox Dr., Rusk. She was born in Germany May 7, 1936, and passed from this life Jan. 21, 2021, in Tyler.

She married Duel N. Allen, Feb. 14, 1962, while stationed with the U.S. Army in Frankfurt. In Germany they had two sons, Gary Thomas and John Fitzgerald. In 1965 they moved to Dallas, eventually purchasing a home in Oak Cliff. There they had a third son, Daniel Ray. In 1974 Duel passed away from lung cancer. Following this tragedy, she became a naturalized citizen. She cherished this accomplishment as one of the greatest honors of her life. She married Johnny O. Blakney on Nov. 3, 1984, and moved to Cedar Hill where they lived until 2010. They then moved to her final residence in Rusk.

In Germany, she completed trade school for mercantile sales and worked in department stores. In the U.S. from 1971-75 she worked for Montgomery Ward. In 1975 she began working for Dixico in accounting, where she remained until the company closed its Oak Cliff plant. Following this, she worked for Brass Craft until retirement.

Upon her move to Dallas, she began attending Grace Temple Baptist Church (GTBC). Joyce Mullins befriended her, telling her about Jesus Christ. Their personal friendship precipitated Hilde’s making a profession of faith in Christ and joining GTBC. When she moved to Cedar Hill she became a member of Eastridge Baptist in Red Oak. After moving to Rusk she joined FBC.

Hilde was preceded in death by her parents; 5 siblings and first husband, Duel N. Allen. She is survived by her husband Johnny O. Blakney of Rusk; sons Gary T. Allen (Laura) of San Angelo, John F. Allen (Renee) of Crowley, and Daniel R. Allen (Teresa) of Rusk. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Megan Allen Pfluger (Clayton), Garrett Allen, Whitney Allen, Emma Allen, Sam Allen, Alli Allen, Hannah Allen, Luke Allen, Joseph Allen, and John Paul Allen; as well as 2 great grandchildren: Kendall and Kamryn Pfluger.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.