Former first lady Sue Owens dies at age 90

Sue Owens

Northwest Missouri State University has learned that Sue Wright Owens, an alumna who went on to be a first lady at the institution, has died.

Owens passed away on April 4 at her home, surrounded by family. She was 90 years old.

She was Northwest's first lady, as the wife of its eighth president, Dr. B.D. Owens, from 1977 to 1984.

Born and raised in northwest Missouri, Owens earned her bachelor's degree in music from Northwest in 1957 and taught in public schools. She also was a first lady at the University of Tampa, where Dr. Owens was president from 1971 to 1977.

Additionally, she was a prolific writer and painter. She wrote more than 600 poems, and her work was published in books, including "My Thoughts and More," three volumes of "The Art of Growing Older," and a children's book, "The Wild Animal Alphabet."

Survivors include her husband, Dr. B.D. Owens, and sons, Brent and Kevin. A memorial service is planned at 9 a.m. CDT on Saturday, June 6, at the Episcopal Church of Ascension in Clearwater, Florida. The service will be streamed on YouTube.

In honor of Owens, Northwest will lower its flags to half-staff through sunset on Sunday, April 12.