Karen Elaine Owens, 77, died peacefully on Sunday, March 6, 2022, after a courageous year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Karen was born May 1, 1944, in Corwith, Iowa then moved to El Reno, Oklahoma. She was the oldest of 5 children of John Russell and Thelma Elaine Meinders. From an early age, Karen had deep compassion for all animals including convincing her father to let her have a horse so she could be an El Reno Wrangler and barrel racer. Karen graduated from El Reno High School in 1962 then on to Oklahoma State, where she met her husband E. Guy Owens, Jr., both graduating and marrying in 1966. Karen went on to earn her Stenographer Certificate from Blackwood Business College in 1967 to briefly assist Guy in his business before she became a teacher. They moved to The Landings in Savannah, GA in 1983.

Karen taught in Greenville, SC; Richland, IL; and Plano, Texas before she started in 1983 at Heard Elementary in Savannah, GA then followed her favorite principal along with other faculty to White Bluff Elementary. Through her work, Karen touched the lives of countless students and mentored many student teachers. Karen’s passion and dedication to education were deeply appreciated by her coworkers. Karen earned her Master of Education from Leslie College in 2005. Karen and Guy also hosted exchange students with whom she never lost touch from Denmark, Finland, Netherlands.

Karen was deeply committed to her community, beyond being an educator. She joined the Southside Fire Department in 1993, first as a First Responder and ultimately becoming Assistant Fire Chief. In 2009 she joined the Board of Directors and despite being granted a leave of absence, continued to be active throughout her illness. At The Landings, she volunteered with the Special Pops program and was the Head of Ball Retrieval for the Landings Tennis Challenger tournaments. She was very involved with her community through Skidaway Island Methodist Church, joining the bell choir and frequently ushering. Karen loved to walk with friends every day and when not walking, playing tennis, pickleball, Mahjong, and bridge. Karen loved to travel, especially for hiking in places such as the Grand Tetons, Glacier Bay, Switzerland, Acadia National Park, Vermont, Mt. Rainier, and Iceland.

Karen was predeceased by her husband, parents, and her sisters, Bette Kay Clayton and Jean Carol Jordan. She is survived by her brothers John Russell Meinders, Jr. of Lake Lotawana, MO, and Robert Dean Meinders of Benedicta, ME, and many nieces, nephews, and their children. Additionally, Karen leaves behind her only child, E. Guy Owens, III, his wife Shara Tarule of Underhill, VT, and her beloved grandchildren Lincoln Guy Tarule Owens and Corinne Tarule Owens who will all deeply miss her. 

Karen was known among her friends and family for making the best pralines and always being the first to wish a happy birthday, offer condolences or recognition.  

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Skidaway Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you consider a donation in Karen’s memory to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA, 31406.