Aletha "Allene" Crowley, 91, of Richmond, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Allene was born on July 19, 1933, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of John Edward and Zoe Lee (Terrell) Banning.  She was united in marriage to Don Crowley of Rayville on October 21, 1950; he preceded her in death on May 15, 2009.

Survivors include: son, David (Becki) Crowley of Excelsior Springs; three grandchildren: Matthew (Kelley) Crowley, Drew Crowley, and Elizabeth (Bobby) Smith; eight great-grandchildren: Laurren (Dustin) Potter, Taylor Crowley, Kyli Crowley, Bayli Crowley, Faith Crowley, Cole (Victoria) Conner, Eli Smith, and Laney Smith; great-great-granddaughter, Emmersyn Grace Potter; and sister, Peggy Swope of Prathersville.

In addition to her parents and husband, Allene was preceded in death by two brothers, John Banning and James Banning, two sisters, Anna Mae Swope and Barbara Bryant, and grandson, Jacob Crowley.

Allene was a very godly woman; she loved the Lord with all her heart.  She worked alongside her husband, Don, as he pastored churches for many years.  Allene enjoyed playing softball with the Rayville girls' team; she handled pitching, throwing many-a-curveball to her favorite catcher, Dixie.  In the 1960's, Allene began working as a substitute mail carrier, advanced to clerk and eventually a full time postmaster at the Rayville post office.  Allene also enjoyed canning vegetables that Don loved to grow in his garden.  Some of the family favorites were zucchini relish, bologna salad and peach cobbler.  Allene was a loving grandmother and hosted a Sunday dinner every week for her son and his family.  She was also able to love on her grandchildren as they took many family vacation trips to Colorado.  In later years, she loved seeing the autumn aspens with David, Becki, and sometimes a great grandchild.  After Don suffered injuries from a car accident, Allene cared for him faithfully for 15 years.  Allene will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Crowley Cemetery Association.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Rayville Christian Union Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. with services to follow at 11:00 A.M.  Burial will be in Crowley Cemetery, Rayville.  Please remember to share your memories of Allene with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.