Bobbye J Owen, 87, passed into the arms of God with her family at her bedside, on January 17, 2020 at Yankee Hill Village, Lincoln, NE. She was beloved by all for her sweet spirit, generosity, and hospitality. It was her great joy in life to selflessly serve and care for her family, friends and anyone else in need of loving kindness or a hot meal! Especially notable was her compassionate care for Foster, her husband of 69 years. She never tired of cooking wonderful meals, planning activities and encouraging her grandchildren in their accomplishments.
Bobbye was born on 1/4/1933 to Howard and Gladys (Windham) Falls in Samantha, AL. After H.S. she entered the Univ. of AL at age 17. She and her sweetheart, Navy Ensign F.G.Owen planned their wedding in one week when he was called to active duty. They were married on Dec. 23, 1950, beginning their 69 year love story.
Bobbye and Foster settled in Lincoln where they raised their four children amongst the many children on their block in Meadow Lane. She managed the household while supporting her children as Den Mother, Sunday School teacher, PTA member, and school volunteer.
In 1990 Bobbye and Foster retired to Auburn, Alabama where she was active with United Methodist Women and the Auburn University Academy of Lifelong Learners (AUALL). They especially enjoyed watching Auburn Football games with friends.
Bobbye leaves a legacy of unconditional love for her family: Sister Kathleen Hamner, Montgomery AL, Children: Richard (Jackie) Owen of Orlando, FL, Sherri (Michael) Bossard, Mike (Carole) Owen and David (Kristin) Owen all of Lincoln. Grandchildren: Brandon Owen of Jasper, GA, Nyia (Andrew) Scalet of Memphis, Noelle Owen of Kansas City, Ben (Jen) Bossard, Lucas (Ruth) Bossard, Travis (Annie) Bossard, Linlin Luo, and Dan (Kinsley) Owen, all of Lincoln and Emily (Vincent) Morrissey of Omaha. Great-Grandchildren: Josiah, Jacob, Eli, Brooks, Majo, Mila, Beatrice and McKenzie. Bobbye is preceded in death by her husband Foster and her parents.
Visitation: Noon to 7:00 p.m. Thursday January 23, 2020 At Wyuka Funeral Home. The family will be on hand from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Service 10:30 a.m. Friday January 24, 2020 at St Marks United Methodist Church, Lincoln, NE with luncheon immediately following. Interment 1:00 p.m. at Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St Marks United Methodist Women’s Project. The church has been a significant part of their family beginning with the first service in the original Chapel at 70th and Vine Street on December 22, 1957. Online condolences can be left at wyuka.com.
Rick and family—so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing, and so soon after your father passed away. I’d worked with your mother at Bankers Life Nebraska, and she was respected by everyone. May the memories that you share of both of your parents help sustain you during this most difficult of times. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with you.
I offer my emotional support to Bobbye’s family, knowing that they know how much so many of us gained from our friendships with Bobbye and Foster. I came to the UNL campus the same time as Foster and soon found in the Owens kindred spirits as Democrats! What a spirit builder Bobbye was through all those many years. Those memories continue to enrich us all.
Lavon Sumption, UNL Animal Science Professor Emeritus, age 90
What a wonderful couple – after 60 years of marriage when you would see them together, you would think they were newly weds, who had recently found each other, they were so compassionate to each other.
I and anyone else was extremely lucky to have known Foster and Bobbye Jean examples of truly exceptional people. Through the years of a young family in Meadow Lane, OLLI, St Marks Methodist church, and Clark Jerry. Lincoln will be different without their warm smiles, kindness, and positive attitude.
Mike, Sherri, David & Rick and families – it was my great honor to spend mornings with your parents last summer and fall. They truly were the most committed wedded couple I have known my entire life. And really, truly sweet people. I will miss them and hope that you all find peace in knowing that they are together again forever now. Foster welcomed her with open arms exclaiming ‘there’s my sweet Bobbye Jean, I’m sooooo glad I found her-I missed her sooooo much!’
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of an amazing person, Bobbye Jean Owen. I am very thankful she and Foster chose to retire in Auburn. They were part of the amazing group of people who helped found Auburn University Academy for Lifelong Learners (AUall), now Osher Academy for Lifelong Learning. Without her special hospitality and willingness to host many meetings, this organization with over 1,000 members would be getting ready to celebrate 30 years. She and Foster gave much to the community of Auburn and Auburn United Methodist Church while they lived here. I will always miss her, but remember her with respect and warmth.