Leah Jean Owens

Leah Jean (Keel) Owens, age 94, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Leah was born on December 2, 1930, in Briar, Missouri, the daughter of Lee and Lora (Hunt) Keel. She graduated from Doniphan High School in 1949. On December 15, 1950, she was united in marriage to Raymond Albert Owens. They were happily married for 45 years until Ray's death March 13, 1996. They raised their two children Ronda and David in Salem, Missouri. After the loss of her husband, Leah lived with her daughter Ronda's family in Bolivar, Missouri. They were so lucky to have her so close because she loved them so well. Leah worked at the Tea Garden Café in Bolivar, Missouri from August 1996 until December 2010. Leah was the pastry chef at the café. She made a triple chocolate cake that was so popular the owner named it for her. She also made cinnamon rolls, all of which were already sold even before the café opened each morning. She was also well known for her lemon layer cake. Her granddaughters got their love of baking from her. Leah's favorite hobby was embroidery work. She made innumerable quilt blocks. After making many quilt blocks for her family, she continued to make blocks which were made into quilts and sold at auctions to benefit the Missouri Baptist Children's Home. Many of these quilts won first place awards. Leah is survived by her daughter Ronda (John) Credille and her son David Owens; by her granddaughter Jennifer (Brian) Kaylor and their son Kagan; her granddaughter Pamela (David) Lowe their sons Owen and Canon; her granddaughter Rachel (Russell) Hill and their son Roland; and her granddaughter Lora Jean Owens her namesake. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association. Graveside services are scheduled for 1:30 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Doniphan City Cemetery in Doniphan, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, Missouri.