Brenda Owens

Brenda Lou "Bennie" Owens was born on February 4th, 1945 to R Lander Perry and Hazel of McCreary County, Kentucky. As a child she spent her days climbing trees and running wild, both outside and within her mind as she fostered her vivid imagination. She loved to regale her family with memories, such as time in her daddy's general store and learning how to drive down dirt roads on their land. From a very early age, Brenda had a passion for reading and writing, interests that she would carry with her through her life.

Brenda met the love of her life in 1964, Michael R Owens. One thing to know about this woman was that if she wanted something, she was GOING to get it, and that's likely how two weeks after meeting, Brenda and Mike wed. Shortly thereafter, the two moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and began their family, daughter Lorna (Randy) coming into the world in 1965 (woo, they sure didn't waste any time there!). Shanda in 1967, and finally Jessica completed their family in 1973. The family eventually made their way to Dayton, then Beavercreek. Mike worked for Chrysler until his retirement, while Brenda worked a variety of jobs while they raised their girls, her last job being for Beavercreek City Schools before she, too, retired. As the years passed, beloved grandchildren Jade (Lorna) (the undisputed favorite of all time who also happens to be writing this), Logan (Jessica), Kennedy (Lorna), Micaela (Lorna), Rece (Lorna) & Rayna (Shanda) were born. She had unique and special relationships with each one of them.

In 2005, Mike and Brenda moved back to Kentucky, where they spent time with extended family and began to travel in their "top-of-the-line" (Mike would have it no other way) RV. Brenda became so well known to the McCreary County library that books she might be interested in were always waiting for her.

Mike tragically passed away from a shockingly short battle with cancer on September 29th, 2010. Brenda would miss him for the rest of her days.

For the remainder of her life, her daughter, Shanda, would be her companion and eventual caretaker, as luck was unfortunately not on Brenda's side when it came to her health. Despite being a vibrant health nut for her entire life, beginning with a fall in her early 60s, there was a domino effect of health woes precipitated by medical negligence. Brenda courageously and valiantly pushed on through setback after setback with her health and never gave up hope that she would one day be well again. Throughout the many surgeries and injuries and recoveries she faced, she was welcomed with open arms into Lorna's home.

Brenda's spirit kept her earthside through things most people do not survive, but eventually the body could no longer be sustained by sheer force of will alone and she went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and joined her beloved Mike and other loved ones lost along the way on March 26th, 2026.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Nevelsville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday, April 3, 2026 at the funeral home.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Brenda Owens.