Dena Owens

DENA OWENS

Cedar Rapids

Dena Marie Owens, 52, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. Services: 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, officiated by Pastor Joe Kane. The family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Per Dena's request, please dress casually. A private family burial will take place in Palo.

Dena Marie Owens was born July 25, 1962, in Vinton, Iowa, to her parents, Dean and Evelyn (Ferguson) Owens. She was a 1980 graduate of Jefferson High School. Dena had been employed for several years at the Linn County Clerk of Court and, for the last 10 years, at Yellowbook, where she formed many long-lasting friendships at both.

She is survived by her son, Dan (Amanda) Owens of Cedar Rapids; one granddaughter, Daisy; her parents, Dean and Evelyn Owens of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Dave and Darren Owens, both of Cedar Rapids; two nephews, Eric and Daryl Owens; and one niece, Tori (Logan Hale) Owens. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and her boyfriend, Sam Mnayer, and his sons, Omar and Joey.

Dena loved the outdoors, including fishing, mushroom hunting and camping. She also enjoyed watching old westerns and the "Price is Right," as well as singing karaoke.

She had a wonderful sense of humor even during her final weeks at the hospice house to make others feel comfortable during their visits. Her greatest love and sense of pride, however, was her son.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Dena's name has been established.

The family wishes to thank Dena's twin cousins, Linda and Lori Ferguson, both of Mason City, who spent many days and nights caring for Dena. They also want to thank the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy staff and volunteers. The care they provided was outstanding.

Please share a memory of Dena at www.murdoch funeralhome.com under obituaries.