Blanche Owens

Blanche Owens, of Jefferson City, Missouri, formerly of Potosi, was born on July 1, 1940, in Washington County, Missouri, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, surrounded by love and cherished memories. She was the beloved daughter of the late Judson Smith and Mary (Conway) Smith.

Throughout her life, Blanche was known for her kindhearted nature, always prioritizing the needs of her family above her own. She dedicated many years of her professional life to the Missouri Department of Corrections, where she held management positions before retiring. On February 16, 1963, Blanche married Charles Edward Owens Sr., and they shared forty-five years together. Following Charles' passing in 2008, she made the important decision to relocate to Jefferson City to be closer to her daughter, Theresa. Blanche found joy working in the Capitol Region Hospital Gift Shop for nearly 15 years, where her warm smile brought comfort to those around her. A dedicated member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, Missouri, Blanche’s faith played a significant role in her life, guiding her through both joys and challenges.

Blanche enjoyed life's simple pleasures. Through the years, she enjoyed traveling, shopping, and crafting, particularly diamond art. She was also an exceptionally talented seamstress, pouring love into every stitch of the quilts, garments, and keepsakes she created for those she loved. Spending time with friends in the villas where she resided brought her much joy. Her love for her family was profound, and she was most proud of being a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Theresa Villmer, and her husband, Richard, along with two grandchildren, Webb and Elsie Villmer. Blanche also leaves behind stepdaughter, Debra McGinley; stepsons, Charles Owens Jr. and Mark Owens; along with step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family members who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

In addition to her parents, Blanche was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Charles; her seven siblings: William Smith, Paul Smith, Dollie Conway, Pauline Koop, Myrtle Mobley, Zoe Thompson, and Hallie Leon.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at DeClue Funeral Home in Potosi, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at the same location beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment and final prayers. will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

In honoring Blanche’s life, we remember her kindness, her commitment to family and friends that touched many lives. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered. Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.