of Benton, AR
October 5, 1951 - December 15, 2024
A 32-year valiant battle with cancer came to an end with the passing of Michele Anne Owens while visiting family in Cedar Grove, Tennessee. Michele Anne Guthrie was born on October 5, 1951 in Rome, New York. She grew up in a military family and was privileged to have lived in Japan, Germany and Panama, as well as various locations in the United States.
Michele's family moved to Arkansas in the 1970's due to their love of the Ouachita Mountains and Lake. She lived in the Little Rock area and was a resident of Bryant and Benton for the last 25 years.
Michele was an avid golfer and exceptional softball player for many years.
Despite battling several forms of cancer, she completed a thirty year career with the State of Arkansas and formed many lasting relationships there. Her last position was Financial Support Supervisor at the Arkansas State Hospital and she retired in 2017.
She is survived by husband, Bruce Owens of Benton; a daughter, Heidi Moore (Marty) of Cedar Grove, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Sam Schroeder (Tae) of Little Rock and Cole Sory of Bryant; a step-daughter, Jeri Owens Sory (Dusty) of Bryant; three brothers, Tim Guthrie (Sandy) of Roland, Andy Guthrie of Sherwood and A.J. Guthrie of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Special friends who provided hope and encouragement during her battle with cancer include Rev. Jeff Langley and his wife, Vicky; Lynn Pumphrey, Cindy Wright, Judy Sipes Smith, Margie Stevens and Melissa and Derick Hilton.
The family would like to thank the efforts of Dr. Marrianne Harrington and staff at CARTI, the nurses and employees of Arkansas Hospice and Hospice of West Tennessee.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 2:00PM in the Chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Rd, Benton, AR 72015 with Bro. Jeff Langley officiating.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 1:00PM until service time at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home of Benton.
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9 Condolence(s)
Tom Sullivan
Saturday, January 4, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Owens/Guthrie Families. Michele & I are first cousins, she being 2 months 7 days older than me, her Mom being the first born of the Sullivan Family, my Dad the second born. Due to Uncle Jack's career in the USAF, and his many home bases, Michele & I never saw each other very often, except when her Family returned to the Elmira, N.Y. area for a visit, and, unfortunately, we lost contact after her Dad retired, and the Family relocated to the Little Rock area. I would have loved to reconnect with Michele, but it never happened, and now never will.
RIP Michele
Dottie Fryar Hughes
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Heartfelt sympathy to the Owens family.
Sandra Schroeder
Thursday, January 2, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss! She fought the good fight!
Nothing but fond memories of Michele.
Todd and Sandy Schroeder.
Mel & Judy Smith
Thursday, January 2, 2025
My dearest friend, we were peas in a pod, in good times and not-so-great times. We both struggling through cancer and other issues while working until retirement age. We enjoyed so many lunches together and talked for hours. We always went Christmas shopping together until one or both of us was unable. We talked about faith and our expectation of a home in heaven. I know you are there, completely well and happier than anyone on earth. I look forward to seeing you there. - Judy Sipes Smith
Kathy Risley
Monday, December 30, 2024
She was a great sister-in-law and always enjoyed our fun times together. I always admired her strength throughout her struggle with health and with a smile
Angie Mitchell
Thursday, December 19, 2024
You will be in my heart forever.
I will cherish all the happy memories we had together. Much love . Angie Mitchell
Becky Wright
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Michele was a beautiful person and wonderful friend. My prayers go out to her family and friends who are missing her.
Josh McDougal
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Mrs. Michele's Family, my prayers are with you all in this difficult time, I worked at the Arkansas State Hospital with Mrs. Michele and I don't recall ever seeing her without a smile. She was a wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Lynn Pumphrey
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
A kinder, sweeter, smart friend you could ever find. She said in the beginning that she was a fighter and she was until the end. I love and miss you, girlfriend