Maxine Owen

Maxine Lavonne Owen, 90, passed away June 23, 2017, at Courtyard Estates in Pleasant Hill. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 29, 2017, at the Elkhart Christian Church with burial following at the Elkhart Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, at Ankeny Funeral Home (1510 W. First St. Ankeny, IA 50023).

Maxine Lavonne Albaugh was born October 29, 1926, to Floyd and Nina Albaugh in Ankeny. She was educated in Ankeny, Elkhart and graduated from Somers high school in 1944. After graduation she attended business school in Des Moines. She worked in the bookkeeping department of the Central National Bank in Des Moines and was promoted to supervisor.

On April 26, 1945, Maxine married Dale William Owen. After Dale’s return from WWII, they moved to the Owen family farm in Elkhart and farmed together until retirement. She was very proud of her abilities working with livestock, commanding bean walking crews, bringing in the harvest and still providing an ample table of great food that fed many throughout their farming career. She used to say, “Every feed, seed salesman or insurance adjuster that ever came on the farm, would have his feet under my dinner table.” In 2018 the Owen farm will become a Century Farm.

Maxine enjoyed antiquing, crafts, playing cards, reading especially to her grandchildren, fishing on Leech Lake, Minnesota, playing Bingo, and working for her church, Elkhart Christian Church. She was a Sunday school director, teacher, Bible School leader, Christian Women Fellowship Worker, Deacon, and on the Bazaar committee for many years. She was a member of the Jolly Circle Club, bridge and 500 card clubs, Elkhart Women’s Club, and Albaugh Skit Improvisers.

Maxine will be missed by her children: Don (Susan) Owen of Elkhart, Jim (Margaret) Owen of Maxwell and Nancy Owen of Elkhart; grandchildren: Tom (Tara) Owen, Matt (Shanda) Owen, Steven Owen and Hillary (Nick) Olson; and great grandchildren: Ellie, Tate, Ashley, Drew, and Nick Owen and Owen, Brady, and Grace Olson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dale of 68 years of marriage, and six siblings, Louise Green, Kenneth, Dean, Noel, Donald and Larry Albaugh.

Maxine’s family is very thankful for the loving care given to Maxine at Courtyard Estates. She was blessed with wonderful caregivers who always were attentive, caring, and listened to her stories of her youth. They gave with their hearts and were with her till the end. We also thank Care Initiatives Hospice for the care and comfort they provided.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Elkhart Christian Church or Elkhart Memorial Park.

Online condolences and memories may be shared on Maxine’s page at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com.