Obituary of Barbara Jane Owen

Barbara Jane (Mumm) Owen 66, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away on October 11, 2021. She was born on September 6, 1955 in Clinton, Iowa, daughter of Lauren and Betty Mumm. Barbara (Barb) moved with her family to Tempe, Arizona in 1961. She graduated from Tempe High School with the class of 1973. She married Dan Owen in 1976 and their son Trent Robert Owen was born in 1979. Barbara had a lifelong love of books and reading, and began her career working at a bookstore in Tempe. She built book and author displays and shared her knowledge of authors and books with customers searching for their next good read. After raising her son, Barb became a teacher’s aide at MacArthur Elementary School in Mesa for several years where she assisted with English instruction for pre-first graders. She later became a professional caregiver, first helping members of her local senior center, and then later working primarily for one client. His family was immensely grateful for her devoted care and would often include her in many of their family activities to show their appreciation. Barbara loved to travel and also enjoyed many cultural activities including theater and symphony concerts. She loved holidays and was appreciated by her family for her legendary dinners with delicious menus, creative decorations, and floral arrangements. Her home was graciously decorated showcasing her sense of style and design in her exceptional home décor. She had a lifelong love of of music and was an enthusiastic concert-goer attending events with her son Trent. Surviving is her son Trent Owen; her sisters Laura (Fred) Koch; and Debbie Mumm; nieces Nicole (Adam) Kirklin and Alexis (Ryan) Reiger; nephew Aaron Koch; great nieces Sophi Kirklin and Margot Reiger; and great nephew Ben Kirklin. Also surviving are Dan Owen; Dori Owen; Michael (Kerin) Owen; Jeremy (Brittany) Owen; Sara (Brock) Markham; and companion Nick Enoch. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Lauren and Betty Mumm. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, October 24, at 1:00 pm at Legacy Funeral Home Rose Chapel, 1130 S. Horne, Mesa AZ. Burial will be on Monday, October 25, 1:00 pm at Hansen Desert Hills Cemetery, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ.