A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 18, for Reva Owen, 89, of Jefferson.
Reva Mae Owen was born January 21, 1935, in Guthrie County. She was the sixth child of 13 born to Carl and Zetta Ford Middleton. Reva passed away December 12, 2024, at the Rock Creek Senior Living Center in Ankeny.
Reva attended Jefferson Community Schools and graduated in 1953. After graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper for the REC.
Reva married David Owen on Sept. 9,1956, at Central Christian Church in Jefferson. During their 67-year marriage, they spent most of their time living on the family farm north of Jefferson, where they raised their two daughters, Cathy and Carol.
Reva loved being a partner in the farming operations. She operated nearly all the farming equipment and helped raise feeder pigs and cattle. One of her biggest joys was her yard. She was lovingly referred to as the “Professor of Mowology,” as you could find her on the riding mower almost every summer day. She always planted a large garden that yielded many quarts of green beans, pickles, and sweet corn. Reva was an active member of Central Christian Church, where she taught Sunday and Bible school and served as a deacon.
Perhaps Reva’s greatest joys were her grandchildren, Jacob and Sarah. She loved having them spend time on the farm, and they loved their time with her. She taught them how to make cookies and cakes and indulged in the inevitable mess created in the kitchen. Grandma’s brownies were an all-time favorite, with a race to see who could get the last one.
Reva had a quiet strength about her. She never complained. Amid deteriorating health, she maintained a positive attitude. It was not uncommon to hear someone say, “Reva spreads joy to all of those around her.” Her faith sustained her throughout her life, and we rest assured knowing she is well and whole in the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Left to honor Reva’s memory are her daughters Cathy Owen and Carol (Randy) Luth and grandchildren Jacob Luth (Kirsten Binder) and Sarah Luth (Derek Hinrichs). Also surviving are her three brothers, Ralph Middleton, Norman Middleton, and Vernon Middleton; her three sisters, Rita Dunivan, Maureen (Bob) Franks, and Sharon (Tony) Wortman; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death is her husband David Owen; parents Carl and Zetta Middleton; brothers Dwight Middleton, Robert Middleton, and Lyle Middleton; and sisters Melba Wilcox, Darlene Hoskins, and Betty Ann Jones.
The family would like to thank the staff at Rock Creek Senior Living Center and Suncrest Hospice for the kind care Reva received this past year.
Persons who would like to honor Reva with a memorial are asked to please consider Greene County Christian Action Resource Center, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing (a nonprofit co-founded by her daughter dedicated to affordable housing in central IA), or a charity of your choice.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson, 515-386-2171.
