Obituary of Mildred Owen

Owen, Mildred "Millie" Thomas Twp., Michigan formerly of Clearwater, Florida Mildred Eva Owen passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. She was 91 years old. Mildred Eva McFarland was born on March 6, 1925 in Falmouth, MI to the late Joseph J. and Rena (Severson) McFarland. Millie grew up in Falmouth, MI and then moved to the Saginaw area to work for Michigan Bell as a telephone operator. While in Saginaw, she attended Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene, where she met the love of her life, Elmer W. Owen. Millie brought a sparkle of life to Elmer and they soon married in Falmouth, MI on March 24, 1950. Elmer was then called to serve his country during the Korean War and they were stationed at Ft. Riley in Kansas. Following Elmer's service, they returned to Saginaw in 1954 to raise their three children: Randall, Daniel and Darlene. Together they faithfully attended Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene. It was at church that Millie used her God given talents; playing the organ, piano and singing with her sister, Doris for over 50 years. Millie's great love for her family was evident every day. She instilled in them a love for God, independence, and creativity. Her skills as a seamstress, and designing a Sunday dress, will be carried on for many generation. For the last 26 years, Elmer and Millie enjoyed the sunshine in Clearwater, Florida, and they returned to Michigan in October of 2015. Millie will be deeply missed by her family as she had been the Matriarch of the Severson/McFarland family reunion for the last several years, gathering at the Bay City State Park on the 1st Saturday after Labor Day. Those who will cherish Millie's memory are her husband of 66 years, Elmer Owen; children: Randal (Jane) Owen, Daniel (Debra Belshaw) and Darlene (Ted) Myers; grandchildren: Mandy (Josh) Palmateer and their daughter, Cassidy; Joshua (Shannon) Owen and their son, Rylan; Matthew (Melani) Owen and their daughter, Mia; Shannon (Jamie Adams) Gardner and their children: Hunter, Carter, Landon and Jackson; and Amanda Triguero and her daughters: Payton and Makenzie; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lanson Owen, Roland (Florence) Owen, Harry Wolff, Dorothy Owen and William Clark; her very special granddogs: Beauregard and Ernie; beloved cat, Cookie. Millie was preceded in death by her infant son, Randy; siblings: Alice Williams, Lenora Fitzgerald, Beatrice Eling, Ronald McFarland, Edward McFarland, Raymond McFarland and Doris Clark; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Charles "Bud" (Betty) Owen, Maurice Owen, Emma Wolff, Jean Owen and Wallace Owen. FUNERAL: A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2016 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Patrick Glenn from the Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene will officiate with burial to follow in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Thursday, May 26, 2016 from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m.; and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene or Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com