Betty Jean Owen 1938-2026

She was born on Sept. 18, 1938, in East Liverpool, the daughter of Dale and Esther Walter. Betty Jean grew up in a multigenerational home — with her parents, grandparents and five siblings. Oh, the stories she could tell about her family, their struggles and their great victories. As the second-oldest child, Betty Jean was given a lot of responsibility. This responsibility gave her great wisdom at a young age and set her on a path of caring for others that would last her whole life.

Betty married her high school sweetheart, Bob Owen, and spent more than 70 years at his side, including as his caretaker in his final years. They say, “Behind every successful man there is a woman”; Betty was one hard-working woman. She supported and worked alongside Bob through his career advancements. It was no easy job, as it often involved moving to new locations and comforting her crying children, but Betty was a caregiver and the glue that kept everything together.

Somehow between all of her packing, cooking, cleaning and raising children, Betty found the time to study at the Ohio Valley Business School in East Liverpool, where she graduated at the top of her class. As her children grew older, she took the opportunity to work and apply her many skills outside the home.

Betty loved her years working as an executive and medical secretary for Mac Tools in Washington Court House, and for Dr. Frasier Jackson in East Liverpool, and for Drs. Chevlan, Keyes and Rolands in Liberty. (She was the best.)

As working and raising a family was exhausting, Betty drew her strength from her faith. She was a prayer warrior who was always knocking on heaven’s door. If she wasn’t reading her Bible, she was on her knees praying for the needs of family and friends. (Betty knelt so much that she wore out those knees 30 years ago, and got replacements.) For many years, she taught Bible classes in Sunday school and through Women’s Aglow. She was a fountain of knowledge and wisdom and many people came to her for advice and prayer.

During the last few years of her life, Betty struggled with dementia. She didn’t always remember faces and names, but scripture was hidden so deep in her heart that she never forgot God’s words or His promises. She is headed for a great reward because, as 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Betty has left an amazing legacy for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to follow.

She is survived by her son, Bob Owen Jr. of Canfield, with whom she made her home, and her daughters, Gretchen (Kris) Sandlund of Zanesville and Betsy (Dan) Pecchia of Canfield.

She prayed for, loved and adored her 12 grandchildren, Stephen (Brandy), Timothy (Jenna), Emily and Jonathan Sandlund, Elizabeth (Kevin) Chandler, Andy (Melanie) and Erich (Jael) Owen, Galina (Micha) Pfister, Michelle (Seraiah) Walter, and Sara (Jesse Jasso), Benjamin (Carlyn) and Nathan Pecchia. She also was blessed with and cherished 28 great-grandchildren.

Betty is also survived by four siblings, Robert (Sandra) Walter, Nancy Walter, Jim (Beth) Walter and John (Candy) Walter. Although these siblings were spread out across the county for many years, they found a way to connect every month on FaceTime. What wonderful memories they shared and made.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death and will be reunited in heaven with her husband of 70 years, Robert Owen Sr.; their beloved infant daughter, Diana Lynn; and her brother, Howard Walter.

The family would like to thank her Comfort Keepers assistant, Shanice, who was her friend and helper for the past six years. Shanice’s kindness and patience were greatly appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Betty’s life from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, 3701 Starrs Centre Drive, Canfield, with a funeral service to follow at 5:15 p.m.

(special notice)