Jerry Ballard Allen

Jerry Ballard Allen was born on May 15, 1947, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Dona Egbert Allen and

John Carson Allen. He was the second of nine children and graduated from Filer High School

in 1965.

Jerry served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in what was then

known as the Southwest Indian Mission. Upon returning home, he attended Brigham Young

University in Provo, Utah, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. During his time at

BYU, Jerry joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam conflict and was stationed at

Fort Meade, Maryland.

After graduating from BYU, Jerry accepted a position at Bliss High School in Idaho, where he

taught business education for three years. He then began teaching at Wendell High School,

where he served as a business education teacher for 29 years before retiring in 2009.

While attending BYU, Jerry met his eternal companion, Brenda Toler. They were married on

May 29, 1969, in the Logan Utah Temple. They made their home in Wendell, Idaho, where they

raised their five children. Brenda passed away on March 16, 2016.

In 2021, Jerry married Janet Gardner Luttmer. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with

extended family. Janet passed away in 2025.

Following retirement, Jerry continued to serve his community. He held the positions of

commander and adjutant with American Legion Post 41 in Wendell. He also volunteered at the

Wendell Senior Center, where he served as office manager and board treasurer.

Jerry was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served

faithfully in many callings, including elders quorum president, high priests group leader,

bishopric member, and ward clerk. In later years, he found great joy in serving as a temple

worker, a calling he faithfully fulfilled several days each week for many years.

Jerry is survived by his five children: Jeremy (Revina) Allen of Wendell, Idaho; Bethany Stratton

of Seattle, Washington; Rebecca (Kris) Olson of Billings, Montana; David (Sheila) Allen of

Salmon, Idaho; and Michael (Jessica) Allen of Spokane, Washington. He is also survived by his

eight siblings, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jerry will be deeply missed. Through Jesus Christ, death is but a moment, and he has

been—and will be—reunited with his loved ones, past and present.

A public viewing will be held at Farnsworth Mortuary in Jerome, ID on Thursday August 20,

2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on August 21, 2026, at The

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wendell, Idaho. Graveside dedication and

Military honors will follow at the Wendell Cemetery.

Our family would like to express our deep appreciation to Auburn Crest Hospice for the care

and compassion that was shown to not only our dad, but to our entire family during the last six

weeks.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry requested that donations be made to the Wendell Senior Center, P.O.

Box 513, Wendell, ID 83355.