Barbara Joyce Owens

Barbara Joyce Owens Barbara Joyce Owens passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at the Lifespan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek, Michigan after a 3 year battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born May 30, 1945 in Albion to Robert and Geraldine (Puryear) Heisler. Barbara was raised on the family dairy farm near Deveraux and was very active in 4-H receiving many awards for showing dairy cattle and clothing she had sewn. She was a Varsity Cheerleader at Albion High School and the Senior Attendant on the Homecoming Court. She graduated from Albion High School in 1963. She attended Michigan State University after high school. She married her high school sweetheart, Ron Owens, on November 21, 1964 in Albion. They initially resided near Marshall, but moved near Deveraux when her father was disabled to assist with her parent's farm. Barbara worked at State Farm Insurance Regional Office in Marshall as an executive secretary until the birth of her first daughter in 1967. Ron and Barb purchased their own farm near Marengo in 1970 and have lived there since then. After her four daughters were all attending school at MarLee School she returned to work at Albion College as a secretary in the Math and Physics Department from where she retired in 1995. Barbara held many positions in the MarLee PTO as her daughters were growing up. She was an active 4-H mother, eagerly helping her daughters with their projects. She raised Appaloosa horses as well as sheep, cattle, rabbits and hogs with her family at their farm home. She was a member and served as the treasurer of the Caring Community Church in Albion. She served as church secretary for Pastor Steven Shafe for many years. Barbara could be found at every activity involving her daughters and grandchildren. She particularly liked to take her grandchildren to the family cabin in the Upper Peninsula. She enjoyed vacations with Ron in Hawaii, Alaska, and the northern Rocky Mountains . Barbara's focus in her life was serving her God, her loving family and her church. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ron Owens; daughters Michelle Owens of Albion, Rebecca (Ed) Zona of Albion, Amy (Todd) Turner of Albion, and Kimberly (Dannie) Alexander of Kalamazoo; her grandchildren Josh, Ben and Josie Turner, Katie, Jake, and Nate Zona, and Cameron Alexander; her sister Charlene (Jody) French of Lebanon, PA, and brothers Dennis (Ann) Heisler of Albion and Don Heisler. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Geraldine Heisler and an infant brother Ronald Heisler. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home in Marshall today, Thursday, from 2 p.m.-9 p.m. where family will be present 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m. to greet friends and share memories. Funeral services celebrating her life and her Lord will be held at Caring Community Church, 1015 Irwin Avenue, Albion on Friday, June 26, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Steven Shafe officiating. A fellowship meal will follow the service. She will be cremated and family committal services will be at Rice Creek Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Caring Community Church or American Cancer Society. Assistance with memorials is available at Kempf Funeral Home. To sign the on line guest register and to leave a message for the family visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.