Allene "Pooch" Ila Shoop

Allene “Pooch” Ila Shoop, of Kittanning, joined her beloved husband James for a beautiful reunion in heaven on May 10, 2025. She will be remembered as a woman of great faith, elegance, and strength. The Lord welcomed her home to be with her parents, Lucy (Hooks) and Ralph Mechling, sisters Donna and Virginia, brother George, and many friends from Christian Missionary Alliance Church, USS Cabot reunions with James, Log Cabin Squares, and social clubs of the 1950-60’s. Dear friends Irma and Charlie Gray, with whom she shared joyous travels were among the last of her recollections in spite of advanced dementia. Allene also cherished trips to Atlantic City lovingly planned by her niece, Susan. During the last of her days, Allene could be found in her granddaughter’s guesthouse, smiling upon great-grandchildren and their friends as they swam or had campfires in the backyard. She enjoyed The Golden Girls, peppermint patties, square dancing, having her hair done, visits from any small dog or young child who wanted to be loved, recalling her RV travels, and keeping a very clean and welcoming home. 

Left to carry on Allene’s beautiful legacy are daughters Joyce (Donald) Coleman and Tami (Rodney) Toy, Grandchildren Donald (Shawna) Coleman, Jennifer (Mark) Busch, Alison Leighton, Nicole (Joseph) Coleman-Hammett, Brandon (Ashley) Toy, Brody (Samantha) Toy, Great-Grandchildren Alishia (Dylan),Samantha (Brock), Carley, Corrin, Josh, Evan, Dash, Alyssa, Matisse, April, James, and Great-Great Grandchildren Marcus, Londyn, Memphis, and Calvin. Allene is also survived by sister-in-law Linda Mechling, extended family members loved across the miles in New Jersey (Susan, Kathy, Asa, Jackie, Paul, Sarah, Rose, Kira, and several other extended family members). Allene gladly reached for the hand of anyone needing an “extra grandma” and will surely be missed by more than we can ever know. 

Allene concluded her life as gracefully as she lived it, in her room filled with sunshine, flowers, and a gentle breeze, surrounded by family and Frank Sinatra songs.  The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Deb Shirley for her loving care, Amedisys Hospice (Butler Care Center; Christy, Ruth, Amy, Staci, Shelby, Leetha, Allison, Cindy, & Kim) for the guidance that allowed Allene to live her last moments with dignity, and the many teens who helped fill her final chapter with youthful energy. Allene once shared that she believed “when one person does wrong, a number of people failed to take the time to help them do any better”. In the spirit of “Pooch”, please honor her memory by finding value in someone we may have otherwise judged, remember someone who is overlooked, and show love to someone who thinks they may be unlovable.

Private services will be held at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, in Ford City. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. A memorial celebration for all will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse Charity or Alzheimer’s Association. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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