John ElRay Allen, age 81, passed away on February 28, 2026, after a long battle with physical illness and, more recently, neurocognitive decline.

John (ElRay) was born May 26, 1944, in Tremonton, Utah, to John W and Grace Udy Allen. The oldest of four children, ElRay was raised in Riverside, Utah, where he learned respect for his elders and the value of hard work. Surrounded by countless relatives, he worked for local farmers and family members in the community. He was educated in Riverside and Tremonton and graduated from Bear River High School, Class of 1962.

After graduation, he enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard, where he served for seven years, earning the rank of Sergeant. On July 8, 1966, he married Elda Laine Archibald in the Logan Utah Temple for time and all eternity. They initially made their home in Riverside, Utah, and later moved to Malad, Idaho. Together they raised four sons and one daughter. They also experienced the tragic loss of a full-term stillborn daughter, whom they kept close to their hearts and loved throughout their lives.

ElRay was a man of many skills and talents. He worked for the sugar beet company in Garland, Utah, where he processed sugar and learned to dislike its smell. He drove eighteen-wheel semi-trucks and worked for a construction company in Pocatello, Idaho, where he developed skills in construction, mechanics, and welding. He later gained employment with Thiokol, later known as ATK, where he worked in many areas throughout the plant. His favorite position was Quality Supervisor, where he formed many lasting friendships. He retired from ATK after 28 years of dedicated service.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained active until health challenges limited his attendance. He held many callings throughout his life. One of his most cherished was serving as a Cub Scout leader, where he and Elda devoted many years to helping young boys advance through the ranks and assisting with many Pinewood Derbies. He also served as a Sunday School teacher, Primary teacher, and financial clerk under Bishop Wendle Smith. ElRay was firm in his testimony of Jesus Christ and loved studying and learning from the scriptures.

ElRay loved family genealogy and spent hours researching and writing family charts before modern technology made things much easier and less time consuming.  His handwriting was pristine, as is evident in his genealogy work.  His favorite role in life was that of husband, father, and grandfather. Although ElRay suffered from dementia in his later years, he never lost his love for his family. He spoke often of his grandchildren and the endless joy they brought him.

ElRay was preceded in death by the love of his life, Elda Laine Archibald Allen; his parents, John W and Grace Udy Allen; his brother, Joseph Allen; his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Allen; his granddaughter, Alessandria Mari Allen; brother in-law Jerry (Patricia) Checketts.

He is survived by his children: Troy Glen Allen (Cinniman) of Malad; Todd John Allen (Angela) of Tremonton, Utah; Travis Lee Allen (Cajsa) of Summerville, South Carolina; John Elden Allen (Camille) of Malad; and Emily Peters (Cody) of Surprise, Arizona; 16 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 step-great-grandchildren; Two siblings, Lawrence (Carolyn) Allen;  Patricia Checketts; Sister In-Law Kathy (Joseph) Allen.

The Family's Appreciation

The family of John ElRay and Elda Laine Allen would like to express our sincere appreciation to the doctors, CNAs, nurses, dietary staff, managerial staff, and all who assisted in the care of our father at Oneida County Long-Term Care. We are deeply grateful for the love, concern, and attention you provided ElRay during his final months. Your heartfelt love, service and friendship will always be remembered.

~ Troy, Todd, Travis, John, Emily, and family

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 12 noon in the Malad 4th Ward Chapel.  Friends may visit with the family at the Horsley Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 7-8 p.m. and Friday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral.. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery in Riverside, UT.