Frances Louis Spencer Owens passed away peacefully at Olathe Medical Center on January 19, 2007 with her family by her side. Her unmatched kindness and selflessness will live on forever in the hearts of her family and friends.
Frances was born in Olathe on September 3, 1923, the oldest of two daughters to Benjamin George Spencer and Elise Katrina Lindberg Spencer. She graduated from St. John High School in Olathe and married her high school sweetheart Robert Henry Owens on November 9, 1941. She was a devoted wife and mother while also working in the Register of Deeds Office at the Johnson County Court House; she retired in 1988.
Frances was an active member of the Olathe community. She attended Grace United Methodist Church and was active in the UMW. In addition, she was a founding member of its hand-bell choir. She was a member of the Olathe Human Rights Commission and the Jaycee Jaynes. In her spare time she was a voracious reader, and a fan of country music. She was also skilled in embroidery, and could often be found enjoying word puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, by just a few weeks, on January 3, 2007, as well as her oldest son, Gene Robert Owens in 1954. Survivors include sons Dewey Owens (Jane Zwanzig-Owens) and Homer (Pamela) Owens, of Olathe; Richard (Karen) Owens, Springhill; daughters Kathyrn (William) Hogan, Wellsville; Laura Howard (Allan Fischer), Kansas City, Missouri; and Georgena (Brian) Wood, Kansas City, Kansas. Also surviving are Frances’ 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; sister, Theodora (Tom) Johnson, Chanute, Ks; three sisters-in-law, Maxine Maurer, Corene Hamre and Lorene Berndt; several nieces and nephews, and dear friends Eldon and Margaret Miller.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Frances’ name to the Grace United Methodist Church Bell Choir, the American Heart Association or the Olathe Hospice.