Obituaries

Verona - Vana Lee Allen, age 82, passed away on October 27, 2023, at Four Winds Manor and Lodge. She was born on June 21, 1941, to Frederick and Joyce (Roberts) Mueller in Washington, D.C. As a child, she was very close to her grandparents Alfred and Frieda Roberts of Racine and Rudolf and Ella Mueller and her Aunt Bette (Mueller) Best of Prairie du Sac. They helped take care of her while her father was away during World War II. Vana graduated from Port Washington High School in 1959 and enjoyed participating in the local high school plays and spending time with her family and friends.

Vana was a flight attendant for United Airlines for several years before getting married and having her three children. She later worked for her father managing his hotels in Tarpon Springs, FL and Three Lakes, WI. Vana returned to college and graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in accounting in 1991. She worked for the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue for over 20 years and received the Certificate of Commendation Award for her initiative and resourcefulness.

Vana loved her family and was very proud of their accomplishments. She enjoyed playing golf with her mother and children, attending all of her children’s track meets, and supporting her grandchildren in sports. She loved cheering on the Badgers and the Packers, wearing whimsical socks, and enjoyed listening to music, especially Barbara Streisand. Vana had many fond memories of traveling to Colorado, Santa Fe and Florida with family.

Vana will always be known for her beautiful auburn hair, blue eyes, and her sense of humor. Even at the very end, she was still cracking jokes and laughing with family and staff at the memory care facility.

Vana is survived by her children: Tricia (Michael) Crossey, Jenny (Rick) Rilling, Nikki (Greg) Hoppe. Grandchildren: Connor (Cate Hollingshead) Crossey, Mitchell Crossey, Ian Crossey, Brogan Crossey, Aviana Crossey, Tayler (John) Garvey, Jack Rilling, Bryce Hoppe, Kyle Hoppe, Garrett Hoppe. Seven Greatgrandchildren. Sister Leslie (Steven) Johnson, and cousin, Lisa Best and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by parents Fred and Joyce Mueller, Aunt Bette (Mueller) Best, sister Stacey (Mueller) Henry, Thomas Allen (former husband) and grandparents.

The family would like to thank Lisa Aders and the Four Winds Lodge staff, and Brittney Hudziak and the Agrace Hospice staff for their care and support over the past year and a half. Debbie Hanson for keeping her looking beautiful for over 20 years. Brandon Diers and Nancy Speir for their financial planning advice and being good listeners. Dr. Randall Haas, for being her primary physician for so many years.

A private family celebration of the life of Vana Allen will be held in December.

Memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice Care or Dementia Society of America.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625