OWEN, MRS. R. A. 
(ELLA MAY HARRISON)
Ashland Gazette July 29, 1937

MRS. R. A. OWEN IS LAID TO REST ON SATURDAY
Funeral Service Was Held From Memphis M. E. Church

The Ashland and Memphis communities were saddened Thursday to learn of 
the passing of Mrs. R. A. Owen of Memphis. While her death was not unexpected 
and came as a relief from a long illness, still the news of her passing was heard 
with regret by all who knew her. Mrs. Owen suffered a stroke about seven years 
ago, never fully recovering from its effects. 

Her illness prevented her from taking an active part in the life of the community 
during the past few years, and her absence was greatly felt. Mrs. Owen suffered 
a stroke Sunday, and another on Tuesday which was directly the cause of her 
passing. Mrs. Owen was a woman of fine character, always lending her support 
to every worth-while move in the community. She was beloved by her friends 
and family and was held in high esteem by all who knew her.

The funeral service was held from the Memphis church Saturday afternoon with 
Rev. Walter E. Neth of Lincoln in charge. He was assigned by the resident pastor, 
Rev. Gilbert. Mrs. Harry Ziegenbein of Lincoln sang, "In The Garden" and "The City 
Four-Square." She was accompanied at the piano by Miss Mary Lohry. The pallbearers 
were C. H. Ziegenbein, Charles Ueberrhein, A. L. Clouse, J. W. Molzen, Charles Stransky 
and G. E. Elwood. Burial was in the Ashland cemetery.

Ella May Harrison was born near Charles City, IA Feb.3, 1867 and was granted her 
eternal rest July 22, 1937 at the age of 70 years, 5 months and 10 days. When a girl, she 
moved with her parents from her birthplace to Yutan, where she grew to womanhood. 

On Oct.30, 1889, she was united in marriage to Rosa Alvin Owen. To this union were 
born five children. One daughter, Dorothy Jane preceded her in death. Her life was 
spent in the Memphis community. She took active part in her church work and it was 
her home that the Home Science club was organized. She was a loving wife and a 
kind mother, always trying to please and do good to all she knew.

She was a member of the Iliff M. E. church at Memphis and a member of the 
Woodmen Circle Lodge. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband Rosa Alvin 
and her four children, Roy of Ashland, Elsie L. Smith of Greenwood, Naomi Fern, 
and Leonard R. of Memphis; three grandchildren, four brothers, five sisters, and 
a host of friends. 

Those from out of town who attended the funeral were: Elra Harrison, Plainview, Nebr., 
Mr. and Mrs. Will Harrison and Ruth, of Beemer, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harrison 
and son of Beemer, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ehler of Beemer, Nebr.; Mr. and 
Mrs. Will Lillibridge of Weston, Nebr.; Mrs. Howard Owen of Lincoln, Nebr.; Mr. and 
Mrs. Floyd Owen of Roca, Nebr.; Thomas Owen of Lincoln, Nebr.; Mrs. Charles Tanner 
of Ralston, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Tanner of Omaha, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy 
Smith of Lincoln, Nebr.; Mrs. Harry Ziegenbein of Lincoln, Nebr.; Dr. and Mrs. R. C. 
Ziegenbein of Beemer; Dr. Frank Ziegenbein of Nebraska City, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Darrell 
Mulligan of Lincoln, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. James Mulligan of Lincoln, Nebr.; C. R. Moran, Lincoln, Nebr.