Jala Allen

 Jala Allen peacefully and unexpectedly went to heaven on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, while at her home in Holbrook, Arizona.  She was born on December 13, 1941, in Snowflake, Arizona to her parents, Richard and Mae (Malone) DeSpain.  She was the second of four children.  Her greatest joy came from being a devoted mother to her four children and a grandmother to her ten grandchildren.Jala worked many years for the Arizona Department of Transportation, until she retired in 2000.  She was also a licensed cosmetologist.  She was loving, hardworking, honest, tough, and fun loving.  Everyone who knew her never forgot the time they were able to spend with her.  She was loved and adored by so many and she kept those she loved in line!Above all, Jala should be remembered simply as a good woman who saw adversities and tried to overcome them, saw opportunities and tried to take advantage of them, saw her children and grandchildren and tried to raise them as only she could.Survivors include three children:  Vernon Lewis of Holbrook, Deborah Serna of Holbrook, and Ronald (Tracy) Lewis of Taylor; three siblings: Joyce Bradley of Snowflake, Gerri (Donald) Buckley of Joseph City, Richard (Noreen) DeSpain of Florida; 10 grandchildren:  Nicholas (Lacy) Serna of Holbrook, Richard (Amber) Serna of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Markos (Cayla) Serna of Holbrook, Dominick Bianchi of New York, Isaac Elliston of Flagstaff, Samantha Serna of Holbrook, William Lewis of Taylor, Marybeth Lewis of Taylor, Nicholas Elliston of Holbrook, Bella Elliston of Holbrook and Matthew Serna of Holbrook.   Jala was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Patricia DeSpain and by her son, Richard Lewis.The public viewing, visitation and friends' calling was held on Friday, February 2, 2018, at Owens Livingston Mortuary - Holbrook Chapel in Holbrook.  A celebration of her incredible life the following day, Saturday, February 3, 2018, at her home in Holbrook."Thank you to all of those who called and sent condolences to her family."Owens Livingston Mortuary cared for the arrangements.  For those who have special memories of Jala and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit Owens Livingston Mortuary's website at www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com