Bernice G. Owens

WAMEGO –Bernice G. Owens passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Via Christie Hospital in Manhattan with her dear daughter Julie and family by her side. She was born in the Wells Creek Community, Belvue, Kansas on October 5, 1924. The oldest of two children, she was the daughter of Henry C. and Lizzie (Pageler) Peters, and the sister of Edward H. Peters. Bernice attended grade school in a one room school house at 34 School in Belvue and graduated from Wamego High School in 1943. On August 15, 1948, she married George E. Owens, and this union was blessed with a wonderful Christmas present on December 23, 1954 with the birth of their daughter Julie Ann. In addition to her quick wit and contagious spirit, Bernice will be remembered for her beautiful penmanship, her bright smile, and her ethic for hard work. She was an amazing homemaker and a meticulous seamstress and crochet master, and could can anything that could fit in a jar. She loved fishing and could often be found at Trenton Lake, Tuttle Creek Lake, or even at the city lake in Wamego. She enjoyed traveling and especially her trips to Florida, Alaska, and Europe. Her life was simple, and filled with a passion for hard work, laughter and dogged determination. You could always count on Bernice to do the hard work during her time as the leader of the Cottonwood 4-H Club or the FHA Chapter Mother, and church dinners. Bernice was a dedicated and hard working employee for O.B. Larson and Sons, Hale's, The Ponderosa and Town and Country Clothing. She was most known for her pleasant voice as the receptionist for Balderson, Inc. and Caterpillar for over 25 years. Survivors include: Her daughter Julie of Manhattan, Sister-in-Law Bobbi (Crumbaker) Peters of Overland Park, KS, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband - George, her parents - Lizzie and Henry Peters, and her brother Ed. The family wishes to thank the Crumbaker family and her many friends who supported her throughout many years. Special thanks to the care givers and staff at Via Christie Village and the medical staff at Via Christie Hospital especially Dr. Segen Smith-Chase and Dr. Autumn Caycedo. Services will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, where the family will greet friends on Tuesday, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Burial will be in Wamego City Cemetery. Mrs. Owens will lie in-state beginning at 1:00 pm on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to The Via Christie Village Memorial Fund given for the St. Joseph Chapel Stained Glass Window fund in care of Via Christie Village, 2800 Willow Grove Road, and Manhattan, KS. 66502, and may also be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547. Online condolences may also be left at www.stewartfuneralhomes.com.