Obituary of Janet Louise Owen

Janet Louise Ashley Owen passed away Thursday, October 18, 2012, at Oak Creek Rehabilitation Center in Kimberly, Idaho, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Janet was born April 1, 1931, in Emmett, Idaho, to Fred and Hattie Ashley; the youngest of nine children who have all preceded her in death. Janet graduated from Emmett High School in 1950. During her sophomore year in high school, Janet met Duane Owen and they were married July 29, 1950. From this union were born three children; Sharon, Greg, and Sue. Janet and Duane moved from Emmett to Lewiston, Idaho in 1958, when Duane joined the Idaho State Police. The family moved to Twin Falls in 1961, to Buhl in 1967, and returned to Twin Falls in 1974. In 1978, the couple returned to Lewiston when Duane was promoted to Sergeant. While living there Janet was very active in the Orchards’ Church of the Nazarene including a clown ministry for children. She was also involved in Mothers Against Drunk Driver as an advocate in court rooms. When Duane retired in 1987, they moved back to Southern Idaho to be close to their children and grandchildren. Janet worked various jobs in her lifetime; sorted potatoes on the potato trucks during harvest, worked pack at Green Giant, weighed beet trucks, licensed cars, radiology aide at Magic Valley Hospital, and a clerk at the Twin Falls County courthouse. However, her favorite occupation was being a Mom and Grandma. She could make anything with a pound of hamburger, the best soups out of next to nothing, Spanish rice that no one knows how she made, roast beef and brown gravy and fudge. She was also quite a musician. She was first chair in the Emmett High School orchestra for most of her high school years. She was also pianist and played for family sing alongs, but preferred not to be in the public eye. Surviving Janet is her husband of 62 years, Duane Owen of Kimberly. Children: Sharon Reed, Boise; Greg (Jean) Owen, Boise; Sue (Mel) Stokesberry, Twin Falls. Seven grandchildren: Jason, Jennifer, Tara, Shaun (Jen) Nathan (Megan), Nicholas, and Patrick and five great grandchildren: Ariana, Cooper, Charlie, Emma, and baby Kaylee arriving in January. The service will be held at the Kimberly Nazarene Church, Monday, October 22, 2012, at 11:00am. The family will be greeting friends on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at Rosenau Funeral Home from 6-8pm. A private graveside service will be held at West End Cemetery in Buhl, Idaho. Friends are encouraged to share their memories of Janet at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com