M Elayne McOwen, age 96, a homemaker, died August 12, 2017. She was a resident of Melbourne, Florida for 61 years. Elayne was born July 4, 1921 and raised in the Los Angeles area where she was a 1940 Rose Princess. She later moved to Oklahoma where she attended Oklahoma State University. Taking a break from school during World War II, she and two friends went to Washington DC where they worked in the Civilian Medical Division of the Pentagon. At the end of the war she had a blind date with a handsome returning soldier who became her husband, Bill.

Born on the 4th of July, Elayne was a life-long firecracker. Always energetic, she was the mother who took us for bonfires on the beach, cookouts on the causeway to watch the missiles blast off, camping. Her family always came first in her life and we benefitted greatly. She was a great cook, an avid gardener, a patient tutor, and a frequent volunteer. She was on the board of Melbourne Civic Music, president of the Garden Club, a 4H leader, a member of DAR and was very active in her church. 

Elayne loved to travel, taking trips to Great Britain, China, Spain, and France. She particularly enjoyed her US trips to Utah, Vermont, and Maine. In the past few years she has enjoyed the loving care (and good food) at The Fountains.

Elayne was predeceased by her husband, William McOwen, and her son, William McOwen, Jr. She is survived by daughter, Susan (Jerry) Johns, and son, John McOwen; six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Florida Today, August 16, 2017