Thelma (Ruggles) Owens
Thelma Elizabeth Owens, age 97, of Shelby, died Saturday January 15, 2011 at Shelby Pointe.
Mrs. Owens was born March 1, 1913 in Morgan County, Kentucky the daughter of the late George and Mary (Caskey) Ruggles. She was a former employee of the L & K Restaurant in Shelby and was a member for over 50 years of First Church of God and Women of the Church of God. Thelma loved to write and had a published book of poetry.
She is survived by her children: James (Virginia) Owens of Vancouver, WA, Lee Owens of Gainsville, FL, Eugenia (Duane) Grogg of Cadiz, KY, Angeline Eason of Elberton, GA, Lois (Robert) Gerald of Lehigh Acres, FL. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband: Walter Owens in 1961; 3 sons: Richard Owens in 1970, Ward Owens in 1994, Fred Owens in 2009; 2 sisters: Lois Howard, Davell Napier; 2 half-brothers: William McClain, Beverly McClain and 2 grandchildren: Elizabeth Owens and Kenneth Grogg.
There will be no visitation or funeral service. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial expressions may be made to Help Line Ministries, 29 ? Walnut Street, Shelby, OH 44875. The Turner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences at
penwellturner.com
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Family: Thelma Elizabeth Owens
Name: Larry & Jackie Smith
Date: 11-01-20
Condolence:
You all have our deepest sympathy on the lose of your beautiful Mother. We met Thelma when she came to our business with her book of poetry to be published. Thelma was a true lady and a wonderful person. My mother, Evelyn Smith, and Thelma were good friends for many years. Thelma and you will all be remembered in our thoughts and prayers.
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Family: Thelma Owens
Name: Norma “Caskey” Davis
Date: 11-01-20
Condolence:
Thelma was such a sweet, gentle, soft spoken, loving person. I have always liked the poem she wrote “The White Line” that guides us. I have an autographed book of her poetry which I treasure. “The line on the edge of the highway is to guide us through the night. The line of God’s love is to guide us to our heavenly home so bright” Sincere sympathy to your family. Clay and Norma Davis
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Family: Thelma Owens
Name: Lue Conley
Date: 11-01-20
Condolence:
Lee, I was so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. I have talked with her a few times at Church. She was a very lovely lady. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Family: Thelma (Grandma) Owens
Name: Jim Owens II
Date: 11-01-22
Condolence:
How is it possible to measure the effect someone has on your life? Despite living so far away, my grandmother had an incredible impact on me. We would drive across the country when I was a kid to see her, and stay with her for a month. After I grew up, I visited her as often as I could, and got to know her as an adult, hearing a lot of things about her life and what she thought.
She had tremendous trust in God. It was pretty simple to her by the time I got to know her well. She wasn’t philosophical or theological about it, she just trusted God quietly in her life. And she loved her kids. That’s mostly what we’d talk about when we visited – her kids. She was proud of them, and always wanting the best for them.
She told me once that she hated war, because so many young people were lost in what was basically a temporary problem. To her, it was simple. Not political, just parents losing their kids. It was hard to disagree with her, because if anyone knew about losing kids, it was her.
My Aunt Jean sent me a picture of Grandma taken with her 3 daughters in the last few years. It was incredible to see, knowing each one of those women, and how they had the heart of their mother.
She even cared a lot about my kids, too, despite the racial differences. They were just her grandkids, and she sent cards at special occasions, always asking about them.
I sometimes wish I could have seen her once again before she died, but I’m very grateful for the many times I took to come there. How do you measure the impact of someone’s life? It’s difficult, but I think the closest you come is through the lives of others that were touched by her. I can see that everywhere with Thelma Owens. I see it in her friends, in her church, in her kids, grandkids, great grandkids. And I’ll see it in the ones that come later, that never knew her, but whose lives will be better because she was in the world once.
Revelation 21 – I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people… He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
So long, Grandma. I’m glad you’re already experiencing that freedom from pain and sorrow. I’m looking forward to the day when I get to sit down with you again and talk like we used to.
Love, Your Grandson,
Jim