Our Staff

Here to support you and your family

TEAMWORK

It takes numerous team members to complete every important aspect of your loved one’s arrangements. While you may not often see the entire team, they are steadfastly working behind the scenes to fulfill your family’s needs.

owners

Michael Allen
President

Michael Allen began working side-by-side with Grandfather “Bill” Allen – the Founder of Allen Mortuary – several decades ago. He learned first-hand what it takes to make a family-owned business successful. With training very much rooted in his grandfather’s traditions, Michael’s approach to caring for families, and his personal leadership style, continue the Allen Family traditions today and into the future. Through his accomplishments and management of Allen Mortuary, Michael has earned an impressive reputation as a kindhearted executive. A compassionate businessman with a family-centered philosophy, Michael is committed to serving the community just as his grandfather did for more than five decades. Michael is a certified Funeral Counselor.

Alison Allen
Vice President
Funeral Director #3375

Alison is Michael’s wife and first joined the Allen family in 2003 when they married, and now works as part of the Allen Mortuary family. She helps in all areas of the business working on a managerial and administrative level, and also assists families during their difficult time. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree from California State University, Stanislaus and is a licensed Funeral Director.

staff

Melody Eddings
Preparation Room Manager
Funeral Director #541/Embalmer #7955

In 2016 we were fortunate to find Melody, a licensed funeral director and embalmer with over 30 years of experience in the funeral industry. She is a graduate of Cypress College of Mortuary Science in southern California. Melody meets with families at need to arrange funeral services and strongly feels that she has been called to this profession. Her eye for details is an asset when preparing and presenting our clients for viewing and services. Melody’s personal motto is “I never give less than my best.”

Ben Sivils
Assistant Manager
Funeral Director #2320/Embalmer #8783

Born and raised in Turlock, Ben began his funeral service career at Allen Mortuary in 1994 and trained alongside our founder William Allen. He received his degree in mortuary science at Mt. Hood College in Gresham, OR and is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with over 25 years of experience. Ben is past president of the Valley Lode Funeral Director’s Association and has served on the board of the California Funeral Director’s Association. Ben is a longtime member of Turlock First United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth and Shriners. Locally, Ben serves on the board for Denair Cemetery Association, McHenry Museum & Historical Society.

Veronica Munoz | Bi-lingual Arrangement Counselor Veronica Munoz
Bi-lingual Arrangement Counselor

Veronica initially came to us a part-time “temp”, but she quickly proved herself invaluable, and was hired permanently in 2009. Her gentle and soothing demeanor is a blessing to families who walk in our door. Veronica is fluent in English and Spanish. She holds a Law Review Certificate from the California Funeral Director Association.

Jacob Ward | Crematory Manager Jacob Ward
Crematory Manager

Jacob started working for Allen Mortuary on a part-time, on-call schedule assisting with driving and services. After graduating from California State University, Stanislaus with a B.S. in Anthropology, he started working daily in the office, learning all aspects of the funeral industry. His calm demeanor and professional manner is always appreciated by the Allen family, office staff and the families he comes in contact with. In August of 2016 Jacob assumed the additional duties of crematory operations, and in 2020 became Crematory Manager.

Laurie Walters
Systems Analyst

As a member of the Allen family and with extensive experience in her field, Laurie is a true asset to Allen Mortuary. She works behind the scenes in administration, accounting, HR/payroll, software and systems support. Her smile and friendly personality are always a welcome sight in the office. Laurie graduated from California State University, Sacramento and Drexel University (Philadelphia) and holds an M.S. Degree in Business Information Systems.

Sarah Reed
Apprentice

Sarah is our apprentice at Allen Mortuary. She received her A.S. degree in Mortuary Science from American River College in Sacramento and has a Funeral Arranger Certificate from the CFDA. She also holds an Associate Degree in Social and Behavioral Science from Modesto Jr. College. Sarah is a busy mother of two teenagers. We are so happy to have her with us!

Holly Strickland-Barragan | Advance Planning Specialist/ Receptionist Holly Strickland-Barragan
Advance Planning Specialist/ Receptionist

Also employed by Precoa (The PreNeed Company of America), Holly represents Allen Mortuary and meets with families on- and off-site to arrange final expense life insurance and any preplanning needs. She has been representing us since 2013 and is entirely familiar with all operations and can answer any possible questions you might have.

Matthew Testo | On-Call Family Attendant Matthew Testo
Funeral Arranger

Matthew was born and raised in Tracy, attended Modesto Jr. College, and has a B.S. from UC Santa Cruz. He initially started part-time working memorial services and doing removals for our families in 2019. We are happy to announce that Matt is now Allen Mortuary’s newest full-time Funeral Arranger.