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Nancy E. Allen Crabtree, age 78, of Mendon, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at The Sparrow House in Sturgis. She was born in Mendon at her home on August 28, 1945 the daughter of Arthur and Una (Shingledecker) Smith. She was a lifetime resident of the Mendon area. On September 30, 1961 Nancy would marry Roger Allen in Mendon; Roger passed away on June 9, 1991. Nancy married Jon Crabtree on October 8, 1994; Jon passed away on June 8, 2022. Nancy was a creative woman with an entrepreneurial spirit, keeping herself occupied with many, many projects. She worked for Home Interiors, Inc, Avon, and Mary K. She was involved with Pampered Chef and took part in Tupperware parties. She owned and ran the Lamp Post and Kafe’ Koffee in Mendon. She was a foster mother and an activity director at many surrounding nursing homes. She helped in the cafeteria at Three Rivers Hospital and was a vendor at local farmers markets. She loved arts and crafts and cake decorating. Nancy helped start the Three Rivers Missionary Church and was heavily involved in the productions at Crossroads Missionary Church in Mendon. She loved to sing, play music, and enjoyed her time in the Mendon Kiwanis Showboat. When she wasn’t so busy and being creative, she liked to relax with a fishing pole in her hand.
Nancy is survived by her combined children and their families, Brenda (Carl) Austin of Mendon, Lori (Greg) Higgins of Mendon, Kathy Dahl of Kalamazoo, Ashley (Aaron) Takace of Kalamazoo, Daniel (Judy) Allen of Belton, TX, Michael Allen of Los Angeles, Amy Crabtree of Kalamazoo, and Luci (Andrew) Falkenberg of Portage; grandchildren Kelly Austin, Katie (Dean) Cugliotta, Kris (Libby) Austin, Jordan (Ellen) Higgins, Mackenzie (Austin) Gippert, Zach Higgins, Daven Takace, Kaden Takace, Inara Takace, Evalie Takace, Ariah Takace, Alexandra (Zak) Hicks, and Phillip Allen; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings Charlotte (Leonard) Dehollander, Bonnie (Harry) Miller, Marcia Heath, Pam (Willie) Wilson, and Steve Smith; and many nieces and nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Una, her first husband Roger Allen, her second husband Jon Crabtree, her daughter Barbara Allen, brother Roy Smith, and sister Marilou Hall.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Crossroads Missionary Church (22605 M-60, Mendon, MI 49072) from 10am until 11am with a funeral service for Nancy starting at 11am with Deacon Jordan Higgins and Chaplain Carl Austin officiating. Immediately following the service, burial will take place at Dutton Cemetery. It is suggested that memorials made in Nancy’s name be made to the Deacon Fund at Crossroads Missionary Church. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com
