Judith "Judy" Ann Owens

Judith “Judy” Ann Owens, age 86, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Judy was born July 3, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa to Raymond and Mary (Rutherford) Ryun. She graduated from East High School in Des Moines in 1956. She married Richard “Red” Owens in 1957 who coached wrestling at Southeast Polk High School for many years. Those who wrestled for Red or were fans of the sport may recall the enthusiastic stomping of her high heels on the bleachers during meets.

She began her career in the secretarial field for the Saydel School District in the late 1970s, retiring in the 1990s as a Superintendent Secretary. She then went to work retail sales for Von Maur, which she enjoyed greatly, visiting frequently on her days off with her grandchildren. Judy had a love for fashion, especially shoes which she generously shared with her granddaughter. She was an avid sports fan and spent many hours watching football and golf on television and equally as many hours watching her favorite western films. Judy was an animal lover and never missed an opportunity to pet a dog. She shared the last twelve years of her life with her beloved Maltese Charlie, whom she took everywhere with her and doted on obsessively. Judy made friends everywhere she went and will be missed greatly by her friends at The Shores at Pleasant Hill where she was residing. She will be remembered fondly for her sass, generosity, and sense of humor, but most of all she will be remembered for being an incredible grandmother to her grandchildren whom she is leaving countless fond memories of shopping days, sleep overs, practical jokes, picnics in the living room, rides with the top down in her convertible and Christmas baking days.

Judy is survived by her sons, Jason (Mary) Owens and Patrick (Peggy) Owens; grandchildren, Elise (Quin) Pelz, and Ethan, Eli, Cutler, and Carson Owens.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Kay McCarty.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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Joe Horton

08/19/2024

Pat and Jase--
Please accept my genuine condolences on the loss of your mom. Your mom and dad were two of the first people my parents met when they came to town, and they enjoyed their friendship for the rest of their lives. Your mom was one of my favorite people ever connected to the old days of Southeast Polk wrestling. She was more than a fan, more than coach's wife, etc. She was part of the fire and energy that drove it all. It meant the world to me to remember hearing the sole of her shoe hammering against those old wooden bleachers. It meant that something was entertaining and she was fired up. I am so sorry she is gone, and that you two are mourning her loss. For whatever reason, I want you to know that I adored her and what she represented to me. You two take care of yourselves, each another, and your families during this difficult time. My heart goes out to you both. Joe