Cheryl Lee Dicks Garritson Owen

August 11, 1931 – January 25, 2026

Proverbs 3:5-6

Cheryl Owen of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2026. She was born on August 11, 1931, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Marie Elaine (Montandon) Dicks and Ernest R. Dicks.

Cheryl, or “Cherry,” attended Hutchinson Junior College and Kansas State University, graduating with a BS in Humanities (Radio/TV Speech) in 1953. She later earned her MA in Communication (Journalism) from CBN University in 1986. Although her primary career was raising three daughters, she held various communications positions over the years, including with the Lakeridge Methodist Church, Northwest Texas Methodist Conference, Dallas Postal Credit Union, CBN, Inc. and the Caprock Girl Scout Council.

Cheryl married her childhood playmate Robert (Bob) Newton Garritson on December 9, 1956, and they had three daughters. They were devoted to each other, their family and friends, and their faith in Jesus Christ. They not only talked the talk; they walked the walk. Cherry and Bob shared a special love for dancing, and within the family were known as “Fred and Ginger.” Cheryl was a performer at heart, participating in anything that involved singing, acting and dancing. On her walker, even with her faded memory, she choreographed many dance routines!

After the unexpected loss of her husband in 1979, she embarked on a new adventure to Virginia Beach, VA, to earn her master’s degree. She eventually returned to Texas and reconnected with friends from her Homebuilders Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church. One of these was Murray Owen, who ultimately became her second husband in 1995. It was a short marriage, as Murray passed away in 2002, but they enjoyed traveling, going to the symphony and attending Texas Tech sporting and family events. Though their time together was brief, the bond she formed with extended family during this season was a true joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Robert Newton Garritson, her second husband Will Murray Owen, her sister Gwendolyn Dicks Robinson, her brother-in-laws Phil Robinson and Jon Hickman, and her son-in-law Michael Reed Smith.

Cheryl is survived by her three children, Jana (Phil) Fowler of Allen, TX; Kerri Sorrells of Lubbock, TX; and Lynda Smith of Highland Village, TX; sister-in-law Bonnie Hickman of Allen, TX; nephew Mark Robinson of Middlebury, CT; grandchildren Jessica (TJ) Spott of Lubbock, TX; Chase (Caitlyn) Fowler of Lakewood, CO; Alyssa Fowler of Allen, TX; Michal (Mark) Ellermann of Daingerfield, TX; Matthew Sorrells of Lubbock, TX; Mark (Katie) Sorrells of Amarillo, TX; Mitchell Sorrells of Lubbock, TX; Haley (Matt) Ganser of Alameda, CA; Heather (Michael) Maney of Carrollton, TX; and 13 great grandchildren.

After a long battle with dementia, she passed peacefully into eternity with Jesus, surrounded by her daughters. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 11 a.m. at Redeemer Church, 6402 Elgin Ave., Lubbock, TX, 79413.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Focus on the Family or Meals on Wheels. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the caregivers at the Isle at Raider Ranch and Grayce Hospice and to Donetta Walker for their above-and-beyond service to Cheryl and her family.