Esther Wills Owen, 89, died peacefully on February 20, 2015 at home in Huntsville with her family at her side. Esther was born February 7, 1926 in Hattiesburg, MS, the youngest daughter of Dennis S. Wills and Harriett M. McDowell.
Esther thoroughly enjoyed nature, flowers, birds, wildlife and children. Her favorite charities were St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the National Wildlife Federation. She also enjoyed bridge and was a member of the Montdale Bridge Club for many years.
In 1947, while training to become a registered nurse at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Esther met and married the love of her life, Dr. Alfred P. Owen. After living in New Orleans, Shreveport, New York, and Germany the couple settled in Huntsville, AL in 1955 to start his ob/gyn practice and to raise their family of four children. Esther worked with her husband in his practice for many years.
Esther is survived by her son, Brian A. Owen and wife, Renee; daughters, Karen Schmitt and husband, Warren, Donna O. Healy and husband William, Anita G. Hausheer and husband, Jim; grandchildren, William J. Healy and wife, Sarah, Jeremiah D. Healy and wife to be, Alaina Hamaker, Leighton B. Healy and wife, Bella, and Martelia A. Healy; and great-grandchild, Joseph C. Healy.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with the funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
