Shirley Mae Owens, 87, Linn, passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at Caring Hearts and Hands in Columbia. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love and joy that touched everyone who knew her.
She was born Nov. 7, 1937, a daughter to the late Louis and Bessie (Smith) Wolfe in St. Louis.
She attended Linn High School.
Shirley was united in marriage to Marvin Owens April 27, 1957, in Linn. He preceded her in death Jan. 8, 2002.
She was a talented and dedicated beautician who built her business through hard work and care for others. Shirley loved making others feel special and beautiful.
She was a member of St John’s United Methodist Church in Linn.
Shirley loved to play and listen to music. She enjoyed songs that brought happiness to her home. Whether it was humming along to an old favorite tune or sharing music with her family, she found beauty in every note. Her warmth made everyone feel welcome, and her beautiful, infectious laugh could fill a room with happiness.
More than anything, Shirley treasured her family. Her happiest moments were the times spent with them gathered together, laughing, sharing stories and making memories. Her grandchildren were her whole heart, and she thought it was so special that she shared her birthday with her grandson Chad. They celebrated their birthdays together for 40 years.
Shirley looked forward to every opportunity she had to attend the school and sporting events of her grandchildren and also loved to challenge them at card games, as they adoringly donned her the “Rummy Queen”.
She was preceded in death by husband of 44 years, Marvin; parents, Louis and Bessie; brothers, Glenn “Smitty” Wolfe, Bill Wolfe, Mardell Wolfe and Melvin Wolfe; brothers and sisters in law, Rosie Smith, Laura Mae Wolfe, Catherine Jett and husband Shorty, Thelma Nelson and husband Bill, Billie Owens and wife Helen, Todd Owens and wife Helen, Mary Ruth Grizzle and husband Walter, Lola Heet and husband Donnie and James Owens.
Shirley is survived by daughters, Carmen Rikard and husband Jeff of Linn, Kim Moon of Linn and Robin Jaegers and husband Dale of Linn; grandchildren, Danielle Cunningham and husband Mike,Tyler Rikard and wife Jill, CoreyVocks and wife Danielle, Chad Vocks and wife Jessie, Madison Reynolds, Shelbie Jaegers and friend Matt Herron and Taylor and Dalton Jaegers; great-grandchildren, Cortny and husband Joe, Blake and wife Lauren, Makenna, Chloe, Cooper, Ava, Emersyn, Maverick, Cameron, Carson, Karli and Georgia; a great-granddaughter to be born this month; great-great-grandson, Reid Reinkemeyer and another great-great-grandchild expected in December; special friend, Lee Dill and family; sisters-in-law, Shirley and Dorothy Wolfe, both of Linn; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 10, at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Kayla Kelly-Beard officiating.
Inurnment will be held in Linn Public Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
