Diane Jackson Allen

Diane Allen, 77, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025. She was born on April 28, 1948, to Vesta Marguerite Gibson and William Carl Ruckert in Baltimore, MD. Diane attended Beloit College and graduated in April 1970 with a major in history. She studied accounting and construction and worked her way up to Vice President at Gercke Construction Company in 1980. She married Wayne Thomas Allen, Sr. on May 15, 1993. Together with Tom, Diane founded Allen Construction Company, where they maintained the highest standards of craftsmanship and client service, keeping the same clients throughout their 30 years in business. Many clients and contractors became lifelong friends, a testament to Diane's integrity and the pride she took in her work. But it was as a grandmother that Diane truly shone brightest. She became "the best grandmother we could have ever dreamed of" to seven grandchildren: David Allen, Channing Allen, Shaina Allen, Travis Allen, Brianna Allen, Schuyler Deal, and Nico Allen. Her love extended to four great-grandchildren: Victor Allen, Novalee Allen, Maverick Allen, and Valor Allen. We would be remiss not to mention her adoration for her black labs-Stitch, Emma Kate, and Sam. She had a gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel like family. Her creative spirit knew no bounds. She was an avid traveler in her younger years, accomplished seamstress, and basket maker. Diane loved vintage and mid-century modern furniture, even restoring some to their original glory over the years. Her enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures was infectious, whether she was feeding wildlife in her backyard, supporting animal rescue organizations for dogs and elephants, or perhaps getting a little too enthusiastic about collecting Beanie Babies. Diane is survived by her husband Wayne Thomas Allen, Sr.; stepchildren Wayne and Elizabeth Allen, Brad and Toni Allen, Devin and Jan Allen, and Stephanie Allen Deal and her husband Walter Deal; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; additional family members Jonny Goffredi, Samantha Goffredi and her children Sebastian and Clover; cousin Mark Hanson; her former husband Robert Jackson and many lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Victoria Ruckert. Funeral services will be on Sunday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Church of the Brethren (645 Evergreen Church Road, Stanardsville, VA.) Memorials or donations may be made to Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland SCIO, A Haven for Elephants and Rhinos, or Lab Rescue LRCP. Diane Allen lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in the strong family foundation she helped build, the business she created, and most importantly, in the hearts of those who were blessed to call her wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements

Diane Jackson Allen

April 28, 1948 - August 18, 2025