Sue Ella (Baumgaertner) Owens

Sue Ella Owens, 96, of Normal, IL passed away Monday, June 10, 2024.

Sue was born April 7, 1928, in Johnston City, IL, the daughter of Charles Henry and Thelma Mae Fuller Baumgaertner.  In 1945, Sue met Albert Owens, Jr. and they began dating after he returned from serving in the Navy during WWII.

They married on April 24, 1947, and enjoyed 53 years together until Albert’s death on April 18, 2000.

Sue’s life was defined by four F’s:  Faith. Family, Friends. Food.  Her devout faith and love of Jesus were the foundation of her life.  Love of family was her focus every minute of every day.  Sue had many friends from Rantoul to Great Falls, MT, to Bloomington, IL, and she never met a stranger! Whether speaking to a life-long friend or a new acquaintance, she always ended the conversation with “Have a blessed day.”  And what an amazing cook!  Homemade pies, fried chicken, corn casserole, cranberry salad, and Sunday roasts. Dinners were, indeed, a feast!

Sue was an energetic force of nature, and she will be missed.

Sue is survived by her five children: Cindy (Rev. Dr. Joe) Elam, Ardmore, OK, Rev. Dr. Raymond (Sharon) Owens, Bloomington, IL,  Dr. Charles (Susan) Owens, Hinsdale, IL, Dana (Mike) Heafner, Lee’s Summit, MO, and Michael (Joy Wang) Owens, McLean, VA; fifteen grandchildren, Nathan (Misty) Elam, Aaron (Julie) Elam, Brian Owens, Meredith (Eric O’Bryan) Hopping, Will (Jordan) Owens, Matthew Buist, Andrew (Jenna) Buist, David Owens, Michael Owens, Katie Owens, Jason (Alisha) Heafner, Amy (Jake) Connor, Matthew Owens, Michelle Owens, Alice Owens; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister, RaJean Cronwell, a granddaughter, Sarah Elam, and daughters-in-law, Hong (Jennifer) Owens and Susan Owens.

Our family is grateful for the loving care provided our mother over the final months and days of her earthly life. Special thanks to the staff and residents of Blair House; Katrina and her staff at “All in the Hands of Care”; the medical staff at Carle Bro-Menn Hospital ED and 5th Floor; and Dr. Sriratana, Nurse Gaines and all of the staff of Carle Bro-Menn Hospice.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Maplewood Cemetery in Rantoul with her son, the Rev. Dr. Raymond Owens officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sue’s favorite ministry: Samaritan’s Purse: www.samaritanspurse.org

Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.