Barbara Owens

Barbara Ellen (Harper) Owens

Born 8-13-1919 in Emporia, KS. She departed this life on 8-16-2021, just three days after her 102nd birthday. Barbara had a long interesting life which involved her talent for artistic expression and her desire to experience life to it’s fullest. She utilized her artistic talent to draw illustrations for department store ads in Hutchinson, KS and she served as advertising director at Wiley Dry Goods.

Barbara was active in the art community in Springfield and was one of the founding members of Studio 55. She also taught art classes, was a docent at the Springfield Art Museum and studied at various watercolor and oil workshops in the southwest. She cherished the time she spent with her peers in the painting groups they had formed.

Barbara knew and loved the importance of family and friends and took joy in spending time with both. She attended Kansas State College in Emporia, Kansas where she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and she also studied engineering drafting at Hutchinson Junior College.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother – LT Harper, husband JC Owens Jr. and her beloved son, Thomas Strand. She is survived by her niece - Nancy Gail Novak and family, her nephew – Mike Harper and family, her daughter-in-law Mauna Loa Strand, her beloved friend Lisa Crump, her family from her union with JC, and many nieces and dear friends. We would like to thank everyone who so lovingly stayed in touch and supported Barbara throughout the years. She is a presence who will surely be missed.

In keeping with Barbara's wishes and out of love and concern for everyone during this pandemic the service will be limited to a small private gathering.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara would simply like for you to share an act of kindness to one another. Love IS the answer.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.