Ninette Marie Allen-Maples (nee Smith), 94, slipped from this life to a better place, comforted by her daughter-in-law at Saint Simeon's in Tulsa on October 28, 2013. Born January 13, 1919 at Jersey City, NJ to the late Earle Crawford Smith and Marie Josephe Lawrence Smith. Wife for 51 years of the late Thomas O. Allen and then of the late Loran Maples. NInette was artistic from childhood and encouraged by her father. Later encouraged by her husband, she attended University of Tulsa at age 40 and achieved a BA in Fine Arts and French, and subsequently an MFA in painting as the final thesis student of the incomparable Alexandre Hogue. Holland Hall had the benefit of her organizational skills and enthusiasm for art for ten years. She was an obsessed gardener, enthusiastic orchid grower and long-time member of the Tulsa Orchid Society, and for many years a docent at Philbrook Art Center. Ninette was known as a 'mover and shaker' in the orchid world, at Philbrook and for her encouragement to numerous people.
Ninette is survived by daughter Jean Allen-Ikeson, daughter-in-law Yimei Allen, stepson Don Maples and wife Linda, stepdaughter Vicki Jones and husband Ron, grandchildren Trey Allen, Jason Allen, Janelle Allen, Allan Shaw, Charles Ikeson and William Ikeson; step grandchildren Di Wang, Matt Maples, Andy Maples, Dan Maples, and Mark Jones; three great grandchildren and three great step grandchildren. Predeceased by beloved son Thomas Earle Allen of whom she was so proud, and son-in-law Colin Ikeson.
A Memorial Service will be conducted by Father Shelby Scott at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel at 3615 E. 91st St. S. at 1:30 pm, Friday, November 8, 2013. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tulsa Orchid Society (PO Box 33339, Tulsa, 74153), St. Patrick's Episcopal Church (4250 W Houston, Broken Arrow, 74015) or Saint Simeon's Episcopal Home (3701 N Martin Luther King Blvd, Tulsa, 74106).

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.