Janet Owens

Janet Arlene Miller Owens, the daughter of Mabel Lacock and William Whitecotton, was born on April 2, 1930, in Jefferson and departed this life on July 4 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson.  

She was 91 years of age.

When their mother remarried, Janet and her brother, Melvin, were adopted by Frank Miller.  Janet grew up in Boone and Cooper and attended Franklin Twp. school.  She was the salutatorian of the Cooper High School graduating class of 1948.

Janet was united in marriage to Robert Owens, of Jefferson, on Nov. 6, 1949. To this union, three children were born: Michael, Gayle and James.

Bob and Janet began their married life in Jefferson, then lived in Carroll, Estherville, Clarion and Fort Dodge, retiring to Jefferson in 1989.

Janet began her career working at the Jefferson State Bank.  After raising her children, Janet was employed at the Estherville Cable Company, Hagie Manufacturing in Clarion, Cablevision in Fort Dodge and UFS Bank in Jefferson.

Janet was an amazing cook and loved to prepare meals for her family and friends who visited in their home. Bob and Janet welcomed both friends and strangers into their home for a meal and good conversation. Because of this, they had friends from all over the United States. Not wanting to miss the best part, Janet often ate dessert first!

Wherever they lived, Janet made a beautiful home for her family, and usually the family had a small dog or cat for companionship. Janet’s brother, Melvin, resided on their family’s farm outside of Cooper. Janet enjoyed visiting him there, and was proud the farm remained in her family. Bob and Janet enjoyed traveling to American Samoa to visit their son, Mike. They also took trips to Hawaii, Spain, Bermuda and the Dominican Republic. 

An avid reader, Janet found her dream job working as a librarian at the Jefferson Public Library in her retirement. Another hobby Janet enjoyed was researching both her own family history and her husband’s.  She was an active member of the Central Christian Church and the Greene County Genealogical Society. Janet accompanied her husband in his interests in the local VFW and Lincoln Highway Association chapters, providing meals and desserts for their fundraisers and events.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Gayle (Mitchell) Roberts, of Clarion; son James (Sonia), of Jefferson; four grandsons:  Michael Owens Jr., of Big Sky, Mont.; Edward Owens, of Alaska; Robbie Baretich, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Scott Lyons, of Winona, Minn.; granddaughter Allison Rasmus, of Ankeny; step-grandson Andy Roberts, of Clarion; and seven great-grandchildren.

Preceding Janet in death were her parents; sister Nilda Thorp; son Mike Owens Sr. in 1996; brother Melvin Miller in 2018; and husband Robert Owens in 2019.

A  funeral service was held July 10 at Central Christian Church, Jefferson, with words of comfort by the Rev. J. Alexander and “A Little Parable for Mothers” by Jane Millard, reader.

Music included “Rock of Ages” and “Amazing Grace” (Nicole Friess-Schilling, soloist; Rita Rasmussen, accompanist).

Honorary bearer was Dale Higgins.

Casket bearers were Don Labate, Dean Zenor, Russ Gettler, Dick Owens, Mike Owens and Scott Lyons.

Interment was in the Jefferson Cemetery.

Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home,  Jefferson.