Lois May Owens Hellenga

Lois May Owens was born August 1, 1936 to James Andrew Owens, Sr. and Lucy Rebecca Holladay in Sumter, South Carolina. She had an older sister, Doris Carolyn Owens, and younger brother, James Andrew Owens, Jr. They grew up amidst the weeping willows and southern charm of the area, where she attended Edmunds High School and then a local Business College. Lois met her late husband, Glen Arthur Hellenga, while working as a secretary at Shaw AFB where he, a dashing young Air Force pilot, was stationed. They married on January 9, 1960 in a double ceremony with her sister Doris, and her husband, Richard (Dick) Alexander. Lois enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and the world with her family as they were stationed in such places as Pennsylvania, Boise Idaho, Sumter SC, Austin Texas, Okinawa Japan, and Zweibruken Germany. They spent many trips exploring neighboring states in their “Hellenga’s Hideaway” RV camper and rummaging through antique shops throughout Europe. Lois loved to hunt for treasures and bargains all along the way. After retiring in Austin, Texas, they tried a stint at ranching in the Texas Hill Country. Lois was not a fan of keeping cattle, but she thoroughly enjoyed the rich array of flowers and veggies both in her own garden and through her Garden Club. She served cheerfully in that club and became known as a decorator extraordinaire. She loved to cook and entertain. She was ever the charming hostess and her table was always speckled with blossoms, fancy serving dishes and delightful décor, as well as tasty morsels. She could always be heard humming or singing as she worked. She served in the community Lion’s Club, Fellowship Baptist Church, and was also a driving force in the local Service to Mankind women’s group LaSERTOMA. But above all, she loved serving her family. She and Glen had three children and nine grandchildren: Gary Hellenga, wife Lynn, with Alex and Braeden; Sherry Fuller, husband Bob, with Genevieve, Zachary, and Benjamin; and Lori Toole, husband Tracy, with Kelsie, Marissa, Tyler, and Trisha. She and Glen spent their final years in Arvada Colorado where she eventually succumbed to the grasp of Alzheimer’s and presumptive Covid on April 26, 2020. She is buried alongside Glen at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Colorado. She was ever cheerful, dedicated and loyal to her friends and family, and always willing to serve anyone who might be in need. She will be missed.