of Marion, AR
April 25, 1947 - May 30, 2025
Barbara Steele Owens, 78, passed away after a brief illness on May 30, 2025, in Marion, Arkansas. She was born in 1947 in Monette, Arkansas, a small farming community, in Craighead County and was raised on the farm by her parents alongside her five siblings. During her early years, she worked on the farm, learned to play the piano and sew, and was named FFA Sweetheart. In her later years, she was known for spreading kindness to others and her sense of style.
Barbara, affectionately called ''Mutah'' was a loving mother and grandmother and leaves behind her two children and their spouses, Candace and Thomas Ohlmeier and Jason and Mandy Owens. She adored her five grandchildren, Sarah Ohlmeier, Hannah Ohlmeier, Mallory Owens, Jackson Owens and Hudson Owens. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents JD Steele and Mildred DeFries Steele and her brother John Steele. She leaves behind four siblings: Max Steele, Pat Qualls, Ruthie Cullum and Jim Steele.
The family is planning a graveside service later this year and information will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, any lasting memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) or Bethabara Baptist Church P.O. Box 33 Lake City, AR 72437.
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24 Condolence(s)
Deborah Bradley
Saturday, June 7, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family, especially Candance, in the loss is your sweet mother. Mrs. Owens has been our neighbor for years and we truly loved her. She was a sweet and loving young lady…. Classy with a little Sass 😊. She had a heart of gold and my family and I will truly miss her… especially our conversation and visits.
Stan Chambers
Thursday, June 5, 2025
I knew both Barbara and her late husband Ronald, many years ago, while growing up in the same area. We became reacquainted on FB some years back. I remember that one of her favorite sayings was, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything". It was obvious that she practiced that in her daily life. My condolences to all her friends and family. May God bless you and give you his peace.
John
Thursday, June 5, 2025
My prayers are with the Owens family. Barbara was a sweet and beautiful lady. I got to know her while working for the City of West Memphis and remained friends. There was always a hug when we met. May God be with the family in this time of grief.
John
Thursday, June 5, 2025
My prayers are with the Owens family. Barbara was a sweet and beautiful lady. I got to know her while working for the City of West Memphis and remained friends. There was always a hug when we met. May God be with the family in this time of grief.
Andy Luttrell
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
prayers for the Owens family,
Andy Luttrell
Bonnie Bowers
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Prayers for Barbara's family. I know you will miss your Mutah, but you will have your wonderful memories. I also have wonderful memories. I will miss my friend.
Ronisha Johnson (Niki)
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Barbie was such a kind and sweet lady"she will be deeply missed.
Kevin Martin
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Such a lovely lady
Cindy Greenwood
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that I am posting this. I loved me some Barbie! We not only worked together but remained friends all these years I have been gone from West Memphis. She has and will always have a special place my heart. I will miss you my friend ❤️
Sallye and Kenneth King
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Jason so sorry to hear about your mom. She was one of the great moms that always keep an eye on you boys growing up. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim Dwyer
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
My deepest condolences. Barbara was a wonderful person and a good friend. Rest in peace Barbara Steele
Dorothy Foster
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Matthew Glass
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Jason and Family,
I am so sorry to hear this news. Please know you all will be in my prayers.
Mike and Donna Kane
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Candace and Jason
So saddened to hear of the passing of your mom. Such a kind lady. Praying for peace for you all as such a sad time
RIP Barbra
Billy Kendall
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
To the family of Barbara I wish you all peace and love and strength in this very sad time. She was a very special person. God bless you all.
Chris Sullivan
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
I am so sorry for the families loss. Barbara was such a sweet lady and loved knowing her thru my cousin, Bonnie Bowers. I especially loved reading of her talkes on fb with Hudson. She will surely be missed. Praying for Gods peace and comfort to you all.
Henning Borchert
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Whoever thinks of your dear mother lets her live on in his heart.
Becky Stephens
Monday, June 2, 2025
Jason, I am so very sorry for the deep grief you and your entire family must feel. I hope you find comfort in the fact that because of your closeness to your momma, you will always feel her presence. I didn't know her well, but it was so very evident how much she loved you all. I am holding you close, my friend. Don't ever doubt that.
Bonnie Kearney
Monday, June 2, 2025
Jason, our deepest sympathy for you and your family. Prayers for all.
Jerry Taylor
Monday, June 2, 2025
A special lady
She will be missed
Jill Goodfellow Childers
Monday, June 2, 2025
Your mom was always so beautiful, kind and FUN! I loved being around her. You could tell how much she loved her children and grandchildren. Candace and Jason, I am truly sorry for your great loss. She sure raised two amazing kids! Sending you so much love. I know you have a beautiful angel watching over you and your families.
Chelsie Elliott
Monday, June 2, 2025
I wish we got to meet face to face, but I loved hearing all your stories, and voice over the phone. Candace spoke so highly of you. Wishing your entire family strength and peace.
Roxie Kenny
Monday, June 2, 2025
She was such a great person,i became friends with her when she started coming to horseshoe lake.prayers are with her family
CAROLYN PITTS
Monday, June 2, 2025
Please know you are all in my prayers. You could not have had a better role model
Barbara will be greatly missed