Barbara A. (Moffett) Owen, 82, passed away on June 15th at Hospice of Marion County – Cates House in Ocala, FL after a short battle with cancer.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Ronald W. Owen, her daughter, Kim Gonzalez, her beloved dogs "Flower" and her parents, Noel and Mildred Moffett.

Barbara leaves behind her children, Tammy (Jonathan deceased) Maar, Ronald R. (Denise) Owen, and Tracy (Patrick) Evanchik, a stepdaughter Debbie (Lisa Negrisor) Mickle; grandchildren, Christopher Gonzalez, Danielle Yager, Richelle (Gregory) Hartranft, Derek (Jessica Carter) Owen, Logan (Tori) Maar, Sean Maar, Victoria Towndrow, Olivia Towndrow, Eric Mickle and Samantha Finn; as well as many blessings of great-grandchildren.

Barbara was born an only child to Noel and Mildred and graduated from Liverpool High School in 1960. She married and began a family right out of high school; however, she always had a goal of achieving a college education. After raising her children and a shift in her career, she pursued her dream. As an adult nontraditional student, she received an Associate of Applied Science degree from Cayuga Community College (1997) and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology (1999) and Master of Science degree in Human Services Counseling (2001) from SUNY Oswego.

Barbara worked as a waitress at Vona's, a close-knit family restaurant in Oswego, NY, before beginning her career at Miller Brewing Company in 1974 where she worked 20 years until the Fulton, NY plant closed. She then began her work in civil service and was employed by Oswego County until she retired. During retirement she continued to want to make a difference and worked as a substitute teacher in Marion County, FL.

Ronald and Barbara made their home in Palermo, NY and in 2005 retired to Ocala Palms golf community in Ocala, FL. They were blessed to have found neighborhood friends in both locations that became like family and celebrated and supported each other through the years.

Barbara was an avid golfer, who was a member of the Ocala Palms women's golf league, and she could be found most mornings working out at the gym. She was also a member of the Ocala Palms Worship Community and the Red Hat Society.

Barbara was a devoted mother and grandmother who was so proud of her children and grandchildren's accomplishments in life. She worked hard and persevered in life when things weren't always easy and set an incredible example for her family. As a mother and friend she was always there to listen and provide guidance. She will be deeply missed.

Interment will be at Pine Plains Cemetery in Clay, NY. Services will be private for the family.