Janelle F. Allen, 83, St. Joseph, MO, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026. She was born December 1943 in Lincoln, NE to Wilbur and Helen (Fisher) McCown.

In 1960 she married Stanley Alm. They had 3 children together. He passed away in 1971.

Janelle worked a variety of occupations. Janelle worked 15 years at Hinky Dinky Grocery. She later worked at several physicians offices and hospitals.

She married William Wanek in 1972. They relocated to Omaha, NE and later to St. Joseph, MO, where they were both later retired. William Wanek died in 2012.

Janelle was an excellent seamstress. She loved cooking and was known for her baking. She frequently made goodies for friends and family. Janelle had been an animal lover all her life. She particularly loved cats and had many stories of their antics.

Janelle was an accomplished gardener. In the summer, her yard and garden shown with beautiful flowers and shrubs.

In 2014 she met Jimmie Allen at Grief Support Group. They later married in 2016. Jimmie and Janelle enjoyed traveling and had planned another trip to Europe.

She was a member of Welcome Wagon and a past member of the Garden Club.

For Janelle, her Christian faith was always an important part of her life. Something that she and Jimmie shared together.

She is survived by her husband of 10 years Jimmie, her children Sherry (Greg) Jackson, Christy Buell, and Trenton (Rhonda) Alm, two step-daughters Carolyn Wanek, Jodie Fuelberth (Steve). Her granddaughter Aislinn Butrick (Jeff) and great-grandsons Brennen, Brayson, Bentley Miller; granddaughter Cali Cripps and great-granddaughters Carmindy and Adelynn Cripps; granddaughter Allison Buell;  grandson Matthew Lorenz, and great-grandsons Luke, Tyler, and Andrew Lorenz; brother Duane McCown; sister Karen MacDonald (Mac); brothers, Roy Bartholomew (Monika), Milton Bartholomew (Cathy), Robert Bartholomew;  numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Norma Shullaw-Obermeier and Sharon Willet.

Janelle has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the funeral home.