OWENS, Barbara J. “Bobbie”
Kalamazoo
Age 91, passed away at home peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Bobbie was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 4, 1930, the daughter of the late William J. and Florence H. (Ganatowski) Sherman. On July 21, 1951, she married the love of her life, Edward “EJ” Owens, who preceded her in death on February 28, 2018. Bobbie was also preceded in death by her son, Scott Owens in 2020. She is survived by four beloved children, William (Yvonne) Owens, Thomas Owens, Cindy Owens Dunbar and Todd Owens; nine grandchildren, Renee (Dave), Sean, Natalie (Steven), Jonathon, Veronica (Ryan), Jennifer (Andrew), Miranda, Cecelia and Clayr; six great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia (Martin) Koepke and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Bobbie had a long career at Borgess Hospital where she started as a Ward Clerk and worked her way up to Manager of Clinical and Business Management. Her faith was very important to her, and she was active in her church and community. Bobbie was a kind and generous person who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Her family was always the most important thing in her life, and she loved all of her children and grandchildren unconditionally. She enjoyed dancing and traveling with her husband, trips to California to visit her son, Bill and his family, playing Bridge, knitting, reading, family gatherings and trips to the casinos where she loved playing slot machines. Bobbie will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 12:30 PM at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home with Fr. Paul Redmond officiating. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. A time of visitation will take place at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, beginning at 11:30 AM. Memorial contributions in Bobbie’s memory may be given to St. Thomas More Catholic Parish or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.