Bristol, Va. - Kittye Easterly Owens, 69, of Bristol, Virginia, died of a massive brain bleed on May 22, 2016, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Kittye, a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, was a 1965 graduate of Abingdon High School and a 1968 graduate of Radford University, majoring in elementary education. Following in her mother's footsteps, her teaching influenced the lives of hundreds of children during her 30 years of teaching. She taught for many years at Wallace Elementary School and retired in 2002 from High Point Elementary School.
Kittye was a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church from its establishment in 1963. Over the years she served the church she loved in many ways. She especially enjoyed delivering meals to those church members who were ill or had suffered a loss. The members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class were particularly dear to her, and it is requested that those members who attend her service sit together.
Community service was an important aspect of Kittye's life. She relished most her time spent on the Virginia Highlands Community Services Board and her ushering at Barter Theatre.
Kittye was preceded in death by her adoring parents, Frank and Gaye Easterly. Her survivors include Charles (Charlie), her husband of 48 years, and daughters Angie (Dwight) Owens and Pam (Benjamin) Clements. Especially dear to her heart was the Mama K gang which included Abby, Caroline, Owen, Ethan and Becca. Also surviving is her mother-in-law, Dora Owens, and a special uncle, Sam VanDyke.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA. The funeral service, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ralph Kidd and the Rev. Barbara Farmer, will follow at 7:00 p.m., with interment at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. Pallbearers will be Kim Bartee, Benjamin Clements, Owen Clements, Gary Ingle, Eddie Jonas, Eddie McGuire, Dwight Owens and Ethan Owens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Kittye Owens and her family are in the care of Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).