Shirley Mae Owens

Shirley Mae Owens, age 87, of Linn, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Caring Hearts and Hands in Columbia. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love and joy that touched everyone who knew her.

Shirley was born on November 7, 1937, in St. Louis, a daughter to the late Lewis and Bessie (Smith) Wolfe.

She attended Linn High School.

On April 27, 1957, she was united in marriage to Marvin Owens in Linn. He preceded her in death on January 8, 2002.

Shirley was a talented and dedicated beautician who built her business through hard work and care for others. She loved making others feel special and beautiful.

She was a member of St John’s United Methodist Church in Linn.

Shirley loved to play and listen to music. She enjoyed songs that brought happiness to her home. Whether it was humming along to an old, favorite tune or sharing music with her family, she found beauty in every note. Her warmth made everyone feel welcome, and her beautiful, infectious laugh could fill a room with happiness.

More than anything, Shirley treasured her family. Her happiest moments were the times spent with them gathered together, laughing, sharing stories and making memories. Her grandchildren were her whole heart, and she thought it was so special that she shared her birthday with her grandson Chad. They celebrated their birthdays together for 40 years. She looked forward to every opportunity she had to attend the school and sporting events of her grandchildren and also loved to challenge them at card games, as they adoringly donned her the “Rummy Queen”.

Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Carmen (Jeff) Rikard of Linn, Kim Moon of Linn, and Robin (Dale) Jaegers of Linn; eight grandchildren, Danielle (Mike) Cunningham, Tyler (Jill) Rikard, Corey (Danielle) Vocks, Chad (Jessie) Vocks, Madison Reynolds, Shelbie Jaegers (Matt Herron), Taylor Jaegers, and Dalton Jaegers; twelve great grandchildren, Cortny (Joe), Blake (Lauren), Makenna, Chloe, Cooper, Ava, Emersyn, Maverick, Cameron, Carson, Karli and Georgia and a great granddaughter to be born this month; one great-great grandson Reid Reinkemeyer and another great-great grandchild expected in December; a special friend, Lee Dill and his family; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Wolfe and Dorothy Wolfe, both of Linn; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, and husband of forty-four years, Shirley was preceded in death by four brothers: Glenn “Smitty” Wolfe, Bill Wolfe, Mardell Wolfe, Melvin Wolfe: her brothers and sisters in law: Rosie Smith, Laura Mae Wolfe, Catherine (Shorty) Jett, Thelma (Bill) Nelson, Billie (Helen) Owens, Todd (Helen) Owens, Mary Ruth (Walter) Grizzle, Lola (Donnie) Heet and James Owens.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kayla Kelly-Beard officiating. Inurnment will be held in Linn Public Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)   www.mortonchapel.com