Nancy Owen

Nancy Jo Owen passed away at the age of 66 on Monday, April 20, 2020, in her home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado after a lengthy battle with neuroendocrine cancer. She was surrounded by people who loved and cherished her.

Nancy was born to Bob and Laura Porter in Enid, Oklahoma on Tuesday, May 12, 1953. She is survived by her husband Jerry; her mother; her two siblings, Bob Porter (wife Marie) and Robin Milton (husband James); her children Drew Welch (wife Kristin) and Erin Shoener (s/o Scott); her grandchildren Tyler, Conner, Kayla, and Colby Welch and Luke and Ella Shoener; many nieces and nephews; and an abundance of friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Golda Martin, and her father.

Nancy attended school in Enid and graduated from Enid High School in 1971. She loved school and had numerous friends, many of whom remained close to her for her entire life. She enjoyed track, gymnastics, softball, and music. After graduation, she attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she met her first husband, Bill Welch, with whom she had her two children. She lived in several parts of the country, including Enid, Seattle, Ponca City, OK, Arlington, TX, and Littleton, CO. She met Jerry Owen in December of 1999. They fell in love and married on June 10, 2000. They shared a love of travel and were able to visit some wonderful destinations, including France, Italy, Austria, Scotland, and England. Her favorite adventure was to Switzerland, where she and Jerry were able to trace her ancestors’ steps.

Nancy worked as a manager at Foley’s Department Store and then later as the school secretary at Saddle Ranch Elementary and Stone Mountain Elementary in the Denver area. She loved working with children and spent 12 years at Stone Mountain, retiring in 2016.

The thing that made her happiest in life was her family. She loved having her children and grandchildren close. They were the true pride and joy of her life. We are thankful for the legacy that Nancy has left. She touched everyone she met with her kindness and generosity. She exuded faith, love, compassion, humor, and endless grace. She inspired us all with her courage and strength. We miss her but realize she is at peace with her Father in Heaven, and with those who preceded her.

Funeral services, arranged through Ladusau Evans, will be held in Enid, OK on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Enid Cemetery, 212 W. Willow Road. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life for Nancy will be held later in the year when restrictions are lifted. Memorials may be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation or to St. Judes.