Obituaries

Sallye Ruth McGregor Owens

Sallye Ruth McGregor Owens, 86, of Pine Bluff, passed away Monday, January 29, 2018. She was the last remaining member of Alexander Chunn McGregor and Mary Odell Eskew McGregor's immediate family. Born in Cotton Plant, Woodruff County, Arkansas on January 13, 1932, she had three brothers, Thompson Matthews McGregor, Henry Crawford McGregor and Cooper Odell McGregor and four sisters, Hattye Elizabeth McGregor Fletcher, Sarah Nelle McGregor Scott, Jean McGregor Peebles, and Virginia McGregor Donohugh. Sallye Ruth's family bought a farm near Sherrill, Jefferson County, Arkansas and moved there from Augusta, Woodruff County, Arkansas in 1942. She graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1949 with honors. Following graduation from high school, she attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. During her time in Oklahoma, she was initiated Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and was saluted by the men of Theta Chi Fraternity by naming her their "Dream Girl". Following her freshman year of college, she transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. While attending the University of Arkansas, she continued her love of Pi Beta Phi where she advanced to Rush Captain and President. Her scholarship, service and leadership at the University enabled her to be elected to the Mortar Board, an extraordinary honor society. Among her other campus activities were Rootin' Rubes, Modern Dance Club, Blackfriars, University Civic Club, Panhellenic Council, and YWCA. On July 3, 1952, Sallye Ruth married Edward Maurice Owens at the Ryland Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Following their nuptials, Sallye Ruth and Ed lived in Buffalo, New York; New York City, New York; El Dorado, Arkansas, Shreveport, Louisiana; and Denver, Colorado before returning home to Pine Bluff in 1963. She worked at the main branch of Simmons Bank until her youngest son was born. She was a devoted member of Lakeside United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and served on the Altar Guild for many years. Sallye Ruth is survived by two sons, namely Edward McGregor Owens (Sue) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Charles Thompson "Tom" Owens (Connie) of White Hall, Arkansas. Three grandchildren, Booth McGregor Owens of Little Rock, Arkansas; Spencer Thompson Owens and Reese Kathrine Owens, of White Hall, Arkansas. Her insights, infectious laugh and sense of humor will be missed. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Graveside services will be private. The family respectfully requests memorials be sent to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 Olive Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

Published January 31, 2018

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