Reola J. Owens of Wantage, N.J., unexpectedly passed away on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, N.Y. He was 81.
Born in Wantage to the late Maynard and Louise (Ross) Courtright, Reola has been a lifetime resident of the Sussex-Wantage area. She had been employed as the dairy manager at the former Foodtown Supermarket in Wantage for 28.5 years. After her retirement from Foodtown, she worked in the pre-school and daycare industry and absolutely enjoyed her time working with children. Reola had many interests, but her world centered on her children and family.
She enjoyed reading, baking, traveling, and photography. She was known to always have her camera with her on her travels. Reola appreciated spending time outdoors exploring and loved the many years of backpacking and camping adventures with her husband in national parks, forests, and wilderness areas; especially the western states and international travel with family members. She had savored her liking for roast duckling, Maine lobsters, and chocolate. Whenever she had the chance to eat either, Reola’s face would light up with her beautiful smile.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John C. Owens; sons, Gene Belcher Jr. of Newton, N.J., and David Belcher of Freehold, N.J.; her daughter, Penny Snook and her husband, Jim, of Port Jervis, N.Y.; grandchildren, Cody, Matthew, Samantha, Tara, and Jessica; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Feb. 28 at the Pinkel Funeral Home, Sussex, N.J., with funeral services immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wantage Township First Aid Squad or the Wantage Township Fire Department, 888 State Route 23, Wantage, NJ 07461.