Jean Grady Owens

Published 12:04 am Monday, March 13, 2017

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Jean Grady Owens, 95, died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, in home hospice care in San Pedro, Calif.

Mrs. Owens was born Aug. 18, 1921, in Portland, Ore., the daughter of Anthony James Grady and Jean Allison (Richardson) Grady.

She grew up in Hollywood and was a graduate of Bancroft Junior High and Fairfax High School. During World War II, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at Todd Shipyard.

She later worked as a claims processor for Farmer’s Insurance. After retiring, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. Several years later, she moved to Natchez, residing there until moving back to southern California in 2012.

In addition to being active in the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Nile, she enjoyed square dancing, traveling, volunteering, sewing, crocheting, reading, going to casinos and playing bunco and Mexican train with her friends.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

Mrs. Owens was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy D. Owens, and two brothers, Anthony James Grady Jr. and Ted Grady.

Survivors include one daughter, Peggie Bartkowski; one son, Kearney Bothwell; two nieces, Barbara Mason and husband, Brad, and Kathy Plambeck; two nephews, Patrick Grady and wife, Teri, and Glen Grady; and a number of cousins in Natchez.

Her ashes will be scattered at sea in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Shriners Hospital or a favorite charity.