Margie Kempton Owens

Surrounded by her dear family, Margie Kempton Owens died at her Show Low, Arizona home on Monday, March 10, 2008 of natural causes. She was 84 years old. Margie was born on July 24, 1923 in Lone Star, Arizona to the late Nathan and Martha Jane (Stewart) Kempton. She married Wayne A. Owens on May 24, 1941 in Thatcher, Arizona. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During World War II, while Wayne was stationed in the European Theatre, Margie, along with her brother Clyde, received her pilots license. And, according to those that matter the most, "she was a good pilot." In 1952, the Owens, with their growing family, left their comfortable brick home in the Gila Valley to embark on a new and adventurous life in Show Low, where they have since resided. After her youngest child, Jack, was old enough to attend school, she, herself, began working at the school cafeteria in Show Low. After several years working there, she went to work in the school office as its secretary under the direction of Charlie Whipple. Margie later went to work as the secretary for the superintendent of the Show Low School District. She was extremely organized and capable in all that she did, even down to preparing the school district's budget several years in a row. When Margie retired at the age of 65, her position was replaced by a business manager AND two other secretaries. Margie enjoyed life with her husband of 67 years and together, with 4 other families, formed a group called "The Syndicate." They camped together. They fished together. They hunted together and traveled to Lake Powell together for many years and always had fun. She saw the goodness in others and "could not have asked for better friends." The members of "The Syndicate" that are left are still going strong and they truly will miss her companionship. Margie is survived by her husband, Wayne A. Owens of Show Low, Arizona; 2 daughters: Jane Duncan (Lyman) of Heber, Arizona, Jean O'Dell (Larry "Digger") of Pima, Arizona; 2 sons: Jeffrey Wayne Owens (Lena) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Jack Kempton Owens of Collinsville, Illinois; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her 2 sisters: Nellie Coleman, Jessie Emig and 3 brothers: Clyde Kempton, Jack Kempton and Lamar Kempton. The funeral service will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, March 15, 2008 at Show Low's Downtown Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where the viewing will be 1 hour prior. Interment will follow at the Show Low Cemetery. Memorial Contributions, in her name, to RTA Hospice and Palliative Care, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Arizona 85929, have been suggested by her family. Arrangements are being cared for by Owens - Livingston Mortuary of Show Low, Arizona.