Lori Ann (Krahn) Allen, age 48, died at home with her family December 21, 2014, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Lori was born October 12, 1966, in Yakima, WA, to Charles J. and Connie M. Krahn. She grew up in the Yakima area where she was active in volleyball, softball and gymnastics and enjoyed animals on the family's five acre farm. She graduated from Toppenish High School in 1985, then attended Yakima Valley Community College and played for the college's volleyball team. Lori transferred to Washington State University and graduated in December 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.
During her first year at WSU, Lori met Steven D. Allen through mutual friends. They studied together, attended Campus Crusade and began dating. After graduating from WSU, Lori married Steve December 30, 1989 and moved to Rochester, MN, where Steve worked for IBM. Lori also worked for IBM and later for First Security Bank until the birth of their first child.
While in Minnesota, Steve and Lori built a new house together and welcomed three children into their family: Jason in June 1995, Caleb in August 1997 and Kylie in January 2001. Steve and Lori unexpectedly delivered Caleb at home.
After 15 years in Minnesota, Steve and Lori moved back to Washington in 2004 to be closer to family and they settled in Pullman, WA. Out of their desire to spend more time with the children and give them a biblical education, Lori began homeschooling in 2001. Teaching their children became Lori's passion and full-time occupation. She was a dedicated and quick-witted teacher who made schooling fun, while inspiring each of her children to pursue their unique interests.
An accomplished cook, Lori loved to bake bread and prepare delicious meals for family and friends. Lori also enjoyed scrapbooking, leaving the family many well-organized albums to cherish. Favorite memories included camping, boating and skiing at South Twin Lakes with family friends while growing up, and later exploring the Midwest in numerous family camping trips. Lori continued to play volleyball on city league teams and with extended family during gatherings at Hood Canal, Leavenworth and Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Lori is survived by her husband of nearly 25 years, Steve; her three children, Jason, Caleb, and Kylie; her mother, Connie Pace, of Yakima, WA; her brother, Brian (Denise) Krahn of Shelby, MT; and numerous extended family members who will greatly miss her sweet, loving spirit and her wonderful sense of humor. She is preceded in death by her father, Charles and her brother, Steve. Since her diagnosis in March, 2013, Lori did much research into ALS, participated in multiple research studies, shared her story at a Team Gleason event at WSU, and inspired an untold number of Ice Bucket Challenges. The family wishes to thank the caregivers who have provided so much support, compassion, and dignity during her final months of life.
A memorial celebration is scheduled for 11:00 am Saturday, January 3rd at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Pullman. A reception and light lunch will follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lori's life. Donations can be made to ALS research via the ALS Association. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is handling the arrangements.