Lila Eloise Owens

Lila Eloise (Nelson) Owens passed away peacefully at Gallatin Rest Home in Bozeman, MT, on March 8, 2019, at the age of 91.



Lila was born in Wibaux, MT on April 29, 1927. On October 5, 1946 she married Thomas Owens in Glendive, MT. They moved to Billings in 1954 and their three daughters graduated from Billings West High. They later moved to Roundup, MT where their two boys graduated from Roundup High School. They also lived in Wishek, ND for a short time, and returned to Billings in 1992. They always considered Billings their home. In 2011, they moved to Bozeman, MT to be closer to family.



Lila worked as a nurse’s aide and as an aide in a nursing pool until she retired. Her most rewarding job, at age 82, was working as a volunteer at B.A.R.K. (Billings Animal Rescue Kare). She had a deep love for animals and passed that on to her children. She was also an excellent cook, and really excelled at pie-baking. At every family gathering, she was expected to bring the sour cream raisin pie. Lila and her husband provided a foster home and cared for numerous children over the years. There was usually an extra baby or child in the house.



Lila is survived by her children: Jonnie (Jim) Marshall of Bozeman, MT; Jennifer Menk of Bozeman, MT; Julie (Steve) Bobzien of Cleveland, TX; Scott (Candi) Owens of Great Falls, MT; and Todd Owens of Manassa, CO. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.



She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Thomas Owens, and siblings Lucille Carlson, Lyle Nelson, Verne Nelson, Vina Thrams, Reuben Nelson, Dorothy Allen, Chester Nelson, and Harold Nelson.



We would like to express our deepest thanks and appreciation for the staff at Gallatin Rest Home, who cared for our mom over the past year and a half.



Private family services are planned on a later date. Condolences for the family can be sent to Jonnie Marshall, 308 Teton Avenue, Bozeman, MT.