1940-2026
Verla Charlene “Charly” Allenbach, 85, of McPherson, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, surrounded by family at Bethany Home in Lindsborg.
Charly was born on May 12, 1940, in Minneapolis, Kansas, the daughter of Lyle Verlin and Dorothy Agnes (Wallace) Hardisty. She graduated from Bennington High School in 1958. Charly married her high school sweetheart, Thomas D. Slick, in 1958. She later married Arnold W. “Bill” Allenbach in 1968.
Throughout her life, Charly worked as a waitress, on the production line at Femco in McPherson, and later at Full Vision in Newton where she was a parts crib attendant.
Charly was a tomboy at heart. In high school, she played softball and was a cheerleader. She was a big sports fan, especially when it came to the Kansas City Chiefs and KU Basketball. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, word searches, and adult coloring books. Charly loved hosting large family meals on the weekends—everyone was always welcome at her table.
She was a loving and caring person, though often outspoken, and she will be remembered for her strong personality and generous spirit. She had a special love for animals, especially her dachshund, Snickers, as well as many other cats and dogs.
Survivors include her daughter, Sherry Langshaw (Ruben) of McPherson, KS; two sons, Thomas Slick (Maggie) of Manchester, KS and Terry Slick of Hutchinson, KS; stepchildren, Michael Allenbach (Cindy) of Inman, KS, Keith Allenbach (Shelly) of Moundridge, KS, Brenda Allenbach of Moundridge, KS, and Crystle Gehring (Jim) of Edmond, OK; sisters, Sharon Hamilton (Jerry) of Missouri, Jan Eaves of McPherson, KS and Mary Long of McPherson, KS; 19 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Dorothy Hardisty; her husband, Arnold Allenbach; and her siblings, Terry Hardisty and Rita Vogts.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.
Memorial donations can be given to the American Legion or to MCCF (McPherson County Community Foundation), for the expansion of the fencing and play area for shelter dogs at the McPherson Animal Shelter, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Funeral Home in Charge
