Marilyn Rose Owens, 71, of Curtis, passed away on November 1, 2008 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, following a courageous 25 year battle from injuries suffered in a horseback riding accident on October 28, 1983, that took away her freedom.

Marilyn was born on March 31, 1937, to Arthur and Alice Johnson, in Farnam, Nebraska. Marilyn graduated from Maywood High School.

On August 21, 1955, Marilyn was united in marriage to LaVerne Owens. They made their home south of Curtis. To this union a son, Larry and a daughter, Debra were born. She was a member of the Curtis Berean Fundamental Church.

Marilyn and LaVerne together farmed and raised cattle. In 1975 Marilyn adopted the first wild mustang horses to be transferred to Nebraska. So appropriately she called the farm, “Wild Horse Haven”.

Her life and love were her horses, especially her best friend Poco. She was the founder of the Frontier Wrangleretts Drill Team.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband LaVerne, Her parents Art and Alice Johnson, Brothers Johnnie Bob and Billy and her sister Margaret Jorgensen.

Survivors include her son Larry (Marcia) Owens of Curtis, daughter Debra (Richard) Nelson of Lincoln, granddaughters, Dusty (Eric) Coulter of Gothenburg, Misty (Chris) Reitz of North Platte, and Lisa and Jenna Nelson of Lincoln, and three Great grand-daughters, Madison and Bailey Coulter and Jaycie Reitz. One brother Jim (Twila) Johnson of Stockville, and one sister Millie (Cliff) Becker of Lincoln , brother-in-law Harold Jorgensen of Curtis and Sister- in-law Lulu Mae (Ted) Herrick of North Platte, along with numerous other family and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, , November 5, 2008 from 1-8pm with family present from 6-8pm at Blasé-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Curtis, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on November 6, 2008 at the Congregational Church in Stockville, Nebraska with Pastor Dale Heimer officiating. Memorials can be made to the Frontier Co. Fairgrounds or the Arbor Cemetery: 39604 Hwy 18, Curtis, NE 69025

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 2 November 2008.