Marita M. Owens

Marita M. Owens, 92, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 11:48 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Shelbyville Manor.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL with Pastor Debbie Hamilton officiating. Visitation will be from noon – 2:00 p.m. on Monday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Memorial may be given to the First United Methodist Church for the Food Pantry.

Marita was born on July 21, 1932, in Shelby County, IL, the daughter of John M. and Amanda M. (Wilson) Furr. Marita grew up on the farm and was proud that she could help by driving a grain truck, driving tractors, and walking corn and beans. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1950 and then studied Home Economics at Eastern Illinois University. Marita began working as a sewing teacher at Singer for three years and then worked in the kitchen at Shelbyville schools. She later worked for 14 years at Shelby Memorial Hospital, in the dietary, housekeeping and x-ray departments. Marita was as an x-ray technician at the time of her retirement. She married Ralph E. Owens on November 8, 1953, and they were blessed with three sons, Larry, Raymond and Lynn. Marita was a people-person and loved helping others. She used her skills as a seamstress to sew the curtains at the Roxy Theatre in Shelbyville and to make poodle skirts and cheerleading outfits. Marita enjoyed cooking, camping, and serving as an election judge. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Ladies of the Moose #1325, and VFW Auxiliary all in Shelbyville.

She is survived by her sons, Larry Owens (Barbara) of Bethany, IL, Raymond Owens (Debra) of Cave City, AR and Lynn Owens (Cindi) of Lakewood, IL; seven grandchildren, Amanda Owens, Margaret Menacher, Michael Owens (Angie), Elizabeth Ragan (Dustin), Dalton Owens, Nicole Owens, and Macy Owens; ten great grandchildren; and one great great grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Owens on June 12, 2012; granddaughter, Jennifer Owens-Frye on November 22, 2011; brothers, Clark Furr and George Furr; and infant brother, John Furr, Jr.