After a life of love and quiet grace, Cleta Allen of West Valley City, UT has passed.
Behind every name is a life, and behind every life are the people who loved it.
Cleta held deeply to the Latter-day Saints faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.
A young girl sitting on a fence at the July 4th rodeo in Boulder in 1961 caught the eye of a handsome stranger. Cleta Moosman was the girl, and her admirer was Paul Allen; the rest is history. Cleta grew up in Boulder, Utah, on the edge of the frontier, which provided adventures and challenges. Her early experiences forged skills and character that sustained her through 81 years of life. She married that handsome young man, Paul Allen, and they established a family of their own. In the big city, they figured life out together. They were blessed with seven children. Cleta was the definition of self-sufficiency. It was obvious to all who knew her that she was a master quilter and a master gardener, but there were many other talents that were known to her family. She was also a master of making bread from scratch, canning just about any kind of food, sewing clothes, coats, and costumes for herself and her family, a mechanic, a chauffeur, a motivator, and she had the ability to care for and love neighbors that made them part of the family. Cleta was DIY before DIY was popular. If you hiked with her, you either picked up the pace or got left behind. Cleta was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the bedrock of her testimony and helped her make it through the heartache of burying three children. She served whenever and wherever she was called. Cleta loved to give people a Book of Mormon with her testimony written inside the cover in her beautiful cursive writing. As Parkinson's took her mobility and ability to write, she dictated her testimony to others so she could still give out books. Cleta loved the temple as an ordinance worker and a patron. She continued to go to the temple until her body could no longer do it. Cleta spent years serving at the Magna Bishop's Storehouse and Garden, where she developed lifelong friendships. Her example of covenant keeping and ministering are a pattern for all who knew and loved her, especially her grandchildren.
Cleta loved to spend time with her grandchildren and go to Boulder. Combining these two activities was her favorite thing to do. The 4th of July parade in Boulder was a highlight of the year. She supported her posterity in all the things they loved doing. Nothing could compare to having Grandma Cleta on the sideline cheering for you. Cleta made every family member at least one quilt and she was happiest when she was doing something for one of her grandchildren.
Cleta packed as much as she could into 81 years of life. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. We are so thankful for all those who cared for her, especially the hospice nurses that helped her navigate the hard parts of Parkinson's at the end. We are thankful for our dad; he has been her primary caretaker for many years. His love and service to our mom is a true example of Christlike love. Cleta is survived by her husband, Paul, and children: Chaine(Greg) Henson, Russell(Kim) Allen, Troy(Kandace) Allen, JB(Corrine) Allen, and daughter-in-law, Sherie Allen, and son-in-law, Dave Bywater. She is also survived by her sister, Madge Webster, and brother, Sidney Moosman, and by 28 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Cleta is preceded in death by her children: Sandra Bywater, Sheila Allen, and Robert Allen, and her parents, Doyle and Nina Moosman, brothers, Jay C. Moosman and Reeves Val Moosman, and sisters, Jewel Bowman and Rayola Wright.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 NOON on Friday, May 8, 2026, in the Hunter 17th Ward Chapel, 3745 South 6400 West, West Valley City, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the church. Graveside Services and Interment will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the Boulder, Utah Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti An online guestbook and livestreaming of services can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com
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