Lavelle Jenkins Owen

Lavelle Jenkins Owen, of Owensboro, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025, under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. 

Born September 27, 1928, in Drakesboro, Ky., to the late J.W. and Golda Jenkins, Lavelle grew up in Livermore. She graduated from Livermore High School in 1947 and then entered the residential nursing program at Owensboro-Daviess County Hospital. Graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1950, Mrs. Owen began working as an office nurse for Dr. Ben Stigall in Livermore. She then began her 40-plus years at Owensboro-Daviess County Hospital (now Owensboro Health). She was instrumental in opening and supervising the nursing staff for the first “Recovery Room” at the hospital. She remained in that position until she was promoted to Assistant Director of Nursing. Lavelle loved being a nurse – it was a calling. She retired from nursing at age 65. 

Lavelle married Colvin Owen in 1949, a union that lasted nearly 71 years, with Colvin preceding her in death in 2020. They raised three children, Jim, Judy, and Jeanie. Lavelle was an avid bridge player and belonged to several clubs. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, and they took numerous car trips to the West Coast – and many places in between. They enjoyed trips to Mackinac Island, Caribbean cruises, and trips to visit with family. She loved her European trip with friends. Family gatherings were always her favorite event. After moving into assisted living, she enjoyed walking with friends, playing bingo and cards, and cheering on the UK Cats with like-minded friends. She especially enjoyed the added bonus of not having to fix 3 meals a day for Colvin.

Mrs. Owen was preceded in death by all seven of her siblings; Vivian Seaton, Margaret Blythe, Ruby Raley, Glenda Cobb, Lois Cook, Jack Jenkins, and Jerry Jenkins. She was also preceded in death by all of her in-laws; Ann Bradshaw (Delbert), Tom (Margaret), Jerry (Bess), and Ted (Janice) Owen. 

Mrs. Owen is survived by her 3 children: Dr. James Owen (Lucy) of Lexington, Judy Owen Harden (Phil) of Lexington, and Jeanie Owen Miller (Larry) of Owensboro. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Jacob Owen (Jenny) of Lawrenceburg, Jenna Fee (Josh) of Lexington, Ann Marie Papania (Matt) of Owensboro, Jay Harden (Mary Ellen) of Lexington, Jackie Condo (Tim) of Lexington, Lucy Owen (Luke Plumier) of Missoula MT., Mills Mebane (Jay) of Durham N.C., and 14 great-grandchildren. 

At Mrs. Owen’s direction, arrangements for Mrs. Owen are private. Entombment will be at Owensboro Memorial Gardens. 

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Hospice of Western Kentucky, the staff at One Park Place, and Dr. Matt Carrico and staff for their kind attention and care of Mrs. Owen. 

Memorial contributions are appreciated, in lieu of flowers, to Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1756, Owensboro, Ky 42302, or to OCTC Foundation, Nursing student scholarship fund in honor of Lavelle Owen, 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303. 

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.