Kay Owen

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Phyllis ‘Kay’ Hart Owen was born March 28, 1941, at Sale Memorial Hospital in Neosho, one of two daughters to Dub and Louise (Haley) Hart. On November 4, 2021, she entered into rest in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 80. 

Kay was a lifelong area resident and attended Benton School and Neosho High School, graduating in 1959. She began an apprenticeship at the OK Beauty Salon and received her cosmetology license in 1961. 

On March 29, 1962, at the Second Assembly of God Church in Joplin, she became Mrs. Ronald Edward Owen. After moving to Joplin, she worked at Miller’s Beauty Salon until the birth of her son, Tom. After the birth of her son, she became a stay-at-home mom. 

 In 1972, she began working for the Joplin R VIII school district, working with special needs children, making lifelong friendships and cherished memories. She retired in 2002 after thirty years of service. 

In 1995 she was blessed with her first grandson, and in 1999, her second grandson was born, and she became GRRR, a name she loved to hear and cherished. In 2000, her sister Donna returned to the area, and they quickly began spending time together, taking road trips and thoroughly enjoying their time together, before Donna’s passing in 2020. 

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During her retirement, she volunteered at Mercy Hospital and continued that until her health declined. Her greatest joy was her family, as a Mother and as GRRR to her grandsons. Kay was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and enjoyed being there and worshipping with her family. In Kay's own words, 'My life is my legacy, and I'm very proud of it. Live on, my friends, and be happy!!!' 

Kay is preceded in death by her husband, Ron, who preceded her in death in 1994. She is survived by her son, Tom Owen, and wife, Kelli of Joplin; two grandsons, Mac and Jack Owen of Joplin; her best friend, Carla Hibdon, and numerous other loving cousins. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents and sister. 

On Friday, November 12, 2021, funeral services will be held at 10 am at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories; Pastor Britton Fields will officiate. Interment will follow in the Dice Cemetery, Fairview, Missouri. The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho. 

 Contributions in memory of Kay may be made to the Joplin Humane Society, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.