Pauline Elizabeth Allen

Pauline Elizabeth Allen, 69 of Crooksville known by her family and friends as Polly, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Columbus at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. 

Polly was born on June 21, 1957, to the late Francis and Mabel (McClintock) Densmore.

Her growing up in Crooksville helped lay the foundation for her lifelong love of sports. Alongside her high school friend Bobbie Allen, she distinguished herself as an exceptional athlete, earning Muskingum Valley League All Star honors in both basketball and volleyball. An avid sports lover to the core, Polly reveled in cheering on her beloved Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cincinnati Reds. Her passion for the games extended beyond spectating, she found joy in coaching little league baseball during her younger years. Those who played for and alongside her recall her as one of the best coaches the league had ever seen. As Polly’s family grew, she embraced each new stage of life, her responsibilities at home never dampened her sense of adventure; in fact, she cherished the time spent riding her side-by-side with her husband, Steve. Polly took great pride in her yard, she held personal bragging rights as having one of the best yards around. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and celebration where her world-famous potato salad and baked beans became legendary dishes that will be remembered and missed at every meal.

Polly is survived in life by her husband of 48 years, Steven Allen; her children, Jason (Robin) Allen, Tracy (Andrew) Rollins and Jeremy Allen; her grandchildren, Nate (Amber) Allen, Raeanna (Dalton) Fitz, Bailey Ann, Ashley (Hayden Turk) Allen, Emily (Maquala) Rollins, Andrew (Alexis Corder) Rollins IV, Jayden Allen, Jalynn Allen and Xavier Allen; her great grandchildren, Bryson Buckley, Aiden Allen, Ansley Payton, Ava Fitz, Owen Allen, Gregory Fitz and Sawyer Allen; her siblings, Jim Densmore, Mike (Carol) Densmore, Dorothy (Doug) Snyder, Donna Ross, David (Theresa) Densmore and Debbie (Doug) Nash; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Cindy (Tom) Dennis, Gary (Pam) Allen, Karla (Jerry) Hollingshead; her best friend and sister-in-law, Bobbie Allen; her friend, Rosa Hall and her brother-in-law, Rex Allen, as well as her special dog, Digger.

In addition to her parents, Polly is preceded in death by her son, Francis Daniel "Danny" Allen, her sisters-in-law, Debbie Allen and Harriet Densmore, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lila Jean and Ralph Allen, as well as her nephew, James "Jimmy" Nash.

Visitation will be held at Goebel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 36 North Buckeye St, Crooksville, OH 43731, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, burial will follow in Crooksville cemetery.