E. Marie “Johnnie” Owensby, age 82, of Montrose, joined her beloved husband Herb in eternal rest on Thursday, December 29, 2011,at the Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction, CO.
Marie was born, January 6, 1929, to Henry E. and Muriel A.(Fifield) Baty in Tucson, AZ. She spent her childhood in Moab, Utah, graduating from Grand County High School in 1947. On August 21, 1949 Marie married Herbert Owensby in Cedaredge, CO. They were married for 52 wonderful years and they were blessed with three children. Marie and Herb resided in Paonia, Durango, and Nucla prior to moving to Montrose in 1964, where they made their home. For many years, she worked as a legal secretary for Kreidler, Durham, Rosentrater, and Moxley, Attorneys at Law. Marie also enjoyed genealogy and spent countless hours researching her own family history and that of many others. Having a passion for music encouraged Marie to be a self taught pianist and also a bass player. Marie and Herb also played with many groups sharing their love of music with others. She was a member of the Olathe Methodist Church. A loving mom, grandma, great grandma, to all that new Marie. Everyone called her Mom.
Marie is survived by daughter, Karen (Randy) Steele; sons, Brian (Reyna) Owensby and David Owensby; sister, Margaret (Paul) Steed; brothers, Clint (Jane) Baty, George (Joy) Baty, Walter Baty, Jeff (Sharon) Baty, and Joseph (Karen) Baty; grandson, Ryan (Gena) Steele; granddaughter Marissa Steele and three great grandchildren Navaya, Logan, and Trevor Steele. Along with special family friends Tim and Vicky Davis. She was preceded in death by Husband Herbert, parents, and two brothers.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, January 4, from 6-8 pm, at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service and celebration of Marie’s life will be officiated by Reverend Vivian Hiestand at Olathe Methodist Church on Thursday, January 5 at 11:00 am. Internment will follow at Grand View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marie’s honor can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, PO Box 1804, Montrose, Co 81402. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401, 970-249-2121.
