Mary Lou Owens was born August 26, 1922 to Otho and Gladys Evans in Confluence, Pennsylvania. Graduated Valedictorian in 1939 from Georgia Township High School, Mary Lou attended Pennsylvania State University and studied business and nursing. During WWII, she worked at Chicago Pneumatic Tool, Co., a defense plant, making parts for airplanes, tanks and guns for the war. During that wartime period, Mary Lou met the love of her life, Sgt. Jack Owens. They married on New Year's Day 1946.
Mary Lou and Jack's married life began with driving across the USA in a 1939 Chevy to Los Angeles, California. There was no housing available there, so they drove to Milwaukie, Oregon to visit Mary Lou's twin brother, Ken Evans. They loved the area and decided to make Milwaukie their permanent residence. Mary Lou got a job working for the IRS, as well as, typing theses for local area college students.
Mary Lou enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, calligraphy and tole painting. Being a descendant of George Washington and Charles Spurgeon; she was a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). Most of all she loved the Lord, she taught Sunday School and Bible studies and was a member of Milwaukie Baptist now GracePointe Church. She claims Isaiah 41:10 as her favorite scripture, her faith unwavering. Her last words were, "I SEE JESUS".
She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Jack Owens; her devoted daughter, Pam Owens; brothers, Whitman (Dub) and Richard Evans; and sister, Kay Story. She was preceded in death by her son, Judson Owens on Jan. 18, 2016.