Following a two-month illness, Jean Owens, age 89, died on March 12, at Homestead at Towne Center, where she lived for a short time. From a young age, she preferred to be called Jean. She grew up in Jackson Michigan, but often visited and stayed with her cousin, Dolores Keysor, in Delphos. Dave died in April, The couple lived for 33 years in the second home on the farm and then 33 years in the "home place" just down the road.
They enjoyed their final years in a beautiful home near Middle Point. Jean was an active member of Salem Presbyterian Church for over 70 years. She served several terms on both the Session and the Music Committee. She was an active member of the Women's Association and taught Sunday school for over 40 years. In the early years, she planned programs for all ages and was a sponsor for Y-teens. For several years, she served as chairman of the Y's cuisine committee, serving meals to service clubs and other organizations.
Most notable was Jean's initiative to begin a travel program for the Y. Hundreds of local people felt safe traveling with YW escorts to places in Ohio, to other states, and to countries around the world. Jean estimated that she went on at least trips herself and planned hundreds more that were escorted by other women.
Jean loved when people told her that their travel with the YW was among their favorite memories. Jean contributed to other organizations in Van Wert. She was an active member of the Woman's Club. She was a longtime member of the hospital TWIG 1 group, volunteering at the thrift store for a number of years.
For international missions, Jean made dresses and 23 skirts for an organization called Dresses for Africa. And she mailed around knitted sweaters to World Vision for needy children around the world. Nurturing her spiritual growth was a priority for Jean.
