Lora Anne Allen's Obituary
Obituary Draft – Lora Allen
Lora Anne Allen, 56, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Decatur, IL. Lora was born on November 7, 1969, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of George Arthur Christ and Vicki Virgean (McCammack) Hill.
Lora could only be described as a force of nature. She was loving, fierce, and an incredibly diligent and hard worker. Lora graduated with her B.A. as an art major with a focus on ceramics from Millikin University. She went on to work at ADM for over thirty years. Her hard work inspired those around her, and her organizational skills were noted inside and outside of her career. She deeply valued those who worked alongside her, fulfilling her role as the “Lab Mom.”
Lora was passionate in all of her undertakings. She enjoyed art and creation. She was known as a fantastic cook and baker, most notably when it came to baking her famous cheesecake and cookies. Lora was a movie buff, especially when it came to Star Wars. She was an 80s music lover, a Chicago Cubs fan, a gardener, and a birder. A tradition with her partner, Travis, Lora would participate in the Christmas Bird Count, not just to record the various birds the couple saw, but because she deeply valued spending time with Travis.
Above all, Lora was deeply devoted to family and fellowship. A member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, she has now been welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, her lord and savior. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Lora often hosted “Cousins’ Night” to gather and celebrate her family, organizing games, prizes, and family events. Lora would call her mom, Vicki, every morning on her way to work, exclaiming “Good morning, Mama!” Both Lora and her mom cherished these calls. She took on the role as the family historian, collecting pictures and researching ancestry. Lora deeply cherished her son, Zach. She was a wonderful mother who guaranteed her child was always loved and cared for. Even in death, Lora’s giving will continue, as she was an organ donor, and her donation will touch countless lives.
Lora is survived by her son — Zachary “Zach” Allen; mother — Vicki (partner, Barney Camden) Hill; partner — Travis Mahan, and his children Gabe and Abby Mahan; step-children — Nicholas Allen and Heather Allen Jump; former spouse — Scott Allen; sisters — Lisa (Sara) Christ, Lindsay (Josh) Hammer, and Leslie (Brad) Hornaday; aunts — Kathleen (James) Wells, and Sharon (Jim) Arteman; cousins — Angela Arteman, Jill Arteman, Stacey Wenskunas, Nick Dodd, and Angie Wells; nieces and nephews — Jessica, Johnny, Jenessa, Mari, Big Luke, Tytus, Cael, Noah, Leah, Luke, Nola, Savannah, Lydia, Levi, Ava, and Isaac; and other friends and family.
Lora was preceded in death by her father — George Arthur Christ; and her stepfather — George Henry Hill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zachary Allen in support of his future.
Condolences and memories may be shared online at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
A visitation for Lora will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, followed by a committal service at Graceland Cemetery.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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