Rachel Lee Applegate Owen

Rachel Lee Applegate Owen, 96, Schell City, was born Jan. 8, 1915, in Tiffin, the daughter of William Clay and Pernia Catherine (McKinley) Heath. She passed from this life on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at her home in Schell City

As a child, Rachel Lee along with her family, moved to Schell City where she attended school until the eighth grade. On Aug. 1, 1933, she was united in marriage to Emett Applegate until his death in 1985. To their union two children were born.

She and Emett began their married life in the same house that Rachel Lee called home for the rest of her life. What began as a two room house grew along with their family.

Rachel Lee was a true homemaker and mother. She took care of everyone. She was a longtime member of the Schell City Christian Church and the Belvior Club. She enjoyed painting, listening to her family play music, picking pecans and especially loved dancing, playing the harmonica and reading the Bible.

On Jan. 20, 1987, Rachel Lee married Don Owen and they enjoyed nearly 22 years together.

Larry’s tribute to Mom – Our mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Rachel Lee Applegate Owen was the best you could ever ask for. Her family came first. She loved each and everyone equally. She survived the hard times through thick and thin and the good times always outweighed the bad. As a son’s point of view, she was always there and if you ever thought you were ever pulling the wool over her yes “think again”. She loved the farm and the outdoors and was no stranger to hard work. If you ever came to her house, the first thing she asked you was if you wanted something to eat or drink and was kind of offended if you said no. Through 96 years of life she saw a lot of changes. Sometimes she would do without so someone else could have. If someone was in need of help she was one of the first to be there and the last to leave. Everyone that knew her was blessed and through her life she never met a stranger. She is in a better place now and Heaven’s assets have been increased, but she will be sadly missed by all. The last few months of her life were trying for both she and her family but she never complained and took it all in stride but without the help of Heartland Hospice, her caretakers and especially her granddaughter, Kristi, it would have been much harder. Our thanks go out to each and everyone. All were so patient and kind. She left her mark in this would and in our hearts and she planned on seeing all of us in Heaven. God bless you all.

Rachel Lee was preceded in death by one sister, Catherine; two brothers, Holbert and James; one great grandson; one great-great grandson; and both her husbands, Emett who passed away July 18, 1985, and Don who passed away Dec. 29, 2009.

Survivors include one son, Larry Applegate and his wife, Marla – Schell City; one daughter, Peggy Applegate – Great Falls, MT; one sister, Flora Bea Allison and her husband, Dale – Schell City; five grandchildren – Frank Carlton and his wife, Linda – Nevada; Fred Carlton and his wife, Veronica – Kingsville; Keri Hold and her husband, George – Nevada; Kristi Applegate – Schell City and Justin Applegate and his wife, Michele – Schell City; 14 great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law,
Avelina Heath and Bertie Patrick; two brothers-in-law, Joe Owen and Art Owen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

Services began at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at the Schell City Christian Church in Schell City with Bro. Marvin Jamison and Bro. Paul Thorade officiating. Musical selections were provided by Sharon Goodman, David Souza and Paula Gray. Pallbearers were Frank Carlton, Fred Carlton, Justin Applegate, Tyler Carlton, Aaron Carlton, Anthony Carlton, Weston Calton and Seth Carlton. Honorary pallbearers were Renn Corbin, Dennis Vantellman, Jim Goodman, Neal Gerster, Ervin Goodman and Sam Vantellman. Interment was in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Schell City Christian Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.