Betty was born July 21, 1926, to John and Nora (Johnson) Owens in Saint Joseph, MO. She attended Benton High School and on August 15, 1943, married Vernon "Hoot" McDowell who preceded her in death on October 1, 1983.

Betty was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Robert Owens and his wife Mary Lou, and Bill Owens and his wife Coni.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Ward and her family: her son Steve (Denise) Bell and their children of Houston, Texas and her daughter Kristin (Bob) Miller and their family of Saint Joseph. She is also survived by her son, R. Gary (Paula) McDowell and his family: David, Brian (Dana) and Michael (Frankie) McDowell and their children of Saint Joseph and Tobi Crippen and her children of Savannah. She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and 12 great-great Grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Per Betty's wishes she has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. A family Inurnment will be held at a later date.

There will be a register book to sign for Betty at our chapel.