Obituary of Frances Owen

Frances Reeves Owen, 96 of Bedford, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Elks National Home. She started her life's journey on June 4, 1915 in Sioux City, Iowa. Her journey included three moves. The first was to Napierville, Illinois where she completed high school. The next move was to Evanston, Illinois whre she graduated from Northwestern University. The third move was the one that defined her life. In 1938 her father was transferred to Roanoke. Frances moved with her family to the Jones cabin near the Peaks of Otter. That spot always remained one of her favorite places because she dated her future husband, Bob there for two summers before they were married in October 1939. A son, Skip, was born in 1944. The place abounded in wildlife - another Frances favorite. It could easily be said that her 70 years in Bedford started among Elks and ended among Elks. After teaching English for two years at Jefferson Senior High School in Roanoke, Frances started her acitivties in Bedford. She had a radio show on WBLT for a number of years. She was a proud charter member - 1976 - of the PEO. At Bedford Presbyterian Church, she taught Sunday School for thirty years - retiring at age 94. Sports were included also, if Virginia Tech football or basketball game was on TV or radio, it was not to be missed. The PGA Golf tour was a must also! Her favorite player was an Englishman, Luke Donald - he also graduated from Northwestern. She also completed 500 miles in the "Y" swimming pool. Her passion, however, was was her writing. Her Nature Notes column was in the Bedford paper for many years as well as other special features. She had articles published in Virginia Wildlife as well as other magazines. As her long journey started to end and, Frances spent her time at the Elks Home with both new and old friends. She made many afghans to be given to friends and she would read to others. Those old and new friends would stop by her last room and it was obvious that she was a special person who never said a bad word about anyone or had a bad word said about her. Sometimes in the room if you followed her gaze, it would lead you to where there was a picture on the wall of a mountain cabin that seemed to bring a smile to her face. As her life's journey ended on June 9, 2011, Frances "slipped the surely bonds of earth to touch the face of God", an honor she had certainly earned. A special thanks to the Elks National Home Special Care Nurses and Carilion Clinic Hospice, especially Rhonda. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Elks Lodge # 2844 Building Fund, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford, VA 24523. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 1 PM at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. John T. Salley officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.