Ella M. Owen, 77

A graveside service for Ella M. Owen, 77, of Rogersville, was held Sept. 9, 2023, at the Maplewood Cemetery in Harrison, Arkansas. The service followed a closed-casket visitation held Sept. 8, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South in Springfield. She died Sept. 6, at her home after a short illness. 

She was born June 5, 1946, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the daughter of James Alfred and Bertha Ella Oster Jones. At age 20, she met Jerry D. Owen, originally from Dora, at the South National Church of Christ in Springfield. They were married three months later on Dec. 23, 1966, at the Marionville Church of Christ. 

Ella was a graduate of Marionville High School and Draughon Business College. She worked in Springfield as a bookkeeper, an office manager and an insurance claims adjuster for most of her career, retiring from the Principal Financial Group. 

From a very early age, she was known by family and close friends as an excellent cook. She loved all children, especially her four grandchildren, and made frequent charitable gifts to the Fair Haven Children’s Home in Strafford. 

She also loved to tend flowers; her favorite flowers were peace roses. She also collected irises from family and friends. Everyone who knew Ella knew that purple was her favorite color, as evidenced by her gardens, home decor and wardrobe. 

Ella is survived by Jerry Owen, her husband of nearly 57 years; one son, Dan Owen and wife Shannon of Indiana; four grandchildren: Carter, Clark, Caleigh and Carys; and other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, Robert Lincoln Jones and Pearlie Jones, who raised her; a dear great-aunt and great-uncle; several dear cousins; and two half-brothers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fair Haven Children’s Home, 3132 N Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757.

Arrangements by Greenlawn Funeral Home South in Springfield.