Jerry Lee Allen/Marlene Joyce Allen (Cellini)

After 65 years of marriage — filled with laughter, love, and the ordinary ups and downs of life — Jerry Lee Allen, 88, and Marlene Joyce Allen (Cellini), 86, have both left this life within weeks of one another and are together once more. Jerry passed August 7, 2025 and Marlene passed August 26, 2025.

Jerry was born January 15, 1937, in Chicago Heights, Ill., to Herbert and Evelyn Allen. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Following his service, he began a long and successful career in the quarry industry — a path that eventually led him to California. He retired from Granite Rock Company, where he held a key leadership role as A.R. Wilson quarry manager, overseeing operations across multiple sites. In his free time, he enjoyed ranching, fishing, hunting, and time with family.

Marlene was born June 29, 1939, in Chicago Heights, Ill., to Guido and Edith Cellini. After high school, she met the love of her life and dedicated herself to homemaking and raising her family. She loved cooking, sewing, gardening, and sunshine, and was remembered for her sassy Italian personality, her big heart, and her deep love for her family.

Their story was not one of perfection, but of endurance: raising children, working hard, weathering disagreements, celebrating milestones, and always finding their way forward side by side. Their long union stands as a testament not only to love, but also to perseverance, forgiveness, and the everyday choice to keep walking life’s road together.

They are survived by their children, Jeff Allen, Valerie Smith, and Bryan Allen; grandchildren, Jake Smith, Jason Allen (Amanda), Courtney Allen (Aaron), Greg Smith, Mathew Allen and Michael Allen; and great-grandchildren, Bennet and Ace. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Evelyn Allen, and siblings, Dorothy Keesee, Wayne Allen, and Darryl Allen. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Guido and Edith Cellini, and brothers, Anthony Cellini and Nicolas Cellini.

A service honoring both of their lives will be held on Sept. 12, at Nimsgern Funeral Home in Woodruff, with full military honors. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with memorial service at 10:30 a.m.

Friends and family are invited to gather and share stories about two people who lived a real, lasting, and deeply human love story. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.