Reola Jane Owens

September 5, 1939 - February 22, 2021

Wantage - Reola J. Owens, age 81 unexpectedly passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, New York. 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 ½ 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; her sons, Gene Belcher, Jr. of Newton and David Belcher of Freehold; her daughter, Penny Snook and her husband Jim of Port Jervis, New York; five grandchildren, Cody, Matthew, Samantha, Tara, and Jessica; and five great grandchildren. Friends may pay their respects to the family on Sunday, February 28, 2021 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex. Funeral services will immediately follow at 5 p.m.. Due to New Jersey government health restrictions, attendees will be limited and are required to wear face masks at all times and practice proper social distancing. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Reola Owens’ memory to the Wantage Township First Aid Squad or the Wantage Township Fire Department, 888 State Route 23, Wantage, NJ 07461. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com