Gwendolynn "Gwen" Deianara Owsley

Gwendolynn “Gwen” Deianara Owsley, age 17, of Howe, IN unexpectedly went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Friday, October 27, 2023 at her residence.  Miss. Owsley was born on September 15, 2006 in LaGrange, IN to Rodger D. Jr. and Jeannie D. (Payton) Owsley.  Gwen was currently a Junior at Westview High School in Topeka, IN.  The most accurate way to describe Gwen’s aura was that she “Idles High.”  She was quite possibly the most active and involved high school student of all time.  Laziness was the last thing one would ever utilize to describe Gwen.  She belonged and was an active participant in New Life Fellowship youth group programs.  She was in track and field and excelled in pole vaulting, which really exemplified her daredevil qualities.  She played both soccer and cross country at the same time and was a member of the FFA, student council, and played the saxophone as well as sang on the Westview choir team.  Gwen also was active within 4-H, which included demolition derby as well as swine and baby beef.  She was one of the main founders of the Hermione Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution in LaGrange, IN and also belonged to the Philanthropy Group with the LaGrange County Community Foundation.  However, Gwen’s work ethic and drive was just one of her many extraordinary attributes.  She also had an infectious smile that enabled everyone around her to smile as well as illuminate the room.  Gwen didn’t know a stranger and made friends everywhere she went.  She stood up for people who didn’t have the means to stand up for themselves.  Her heart was so big that everyone in her presence felt loved.  She was both smart and funny which was a wonderful combination with her already stellar personality.  Gwen loved spending time with her family and when she thought it had been too long since everyone was together, she’d ensure her family knew it was time to get together and visit.  Gwen’s passing leaves a hole that cannot be filled but her legacy will continue to live on in all she had accomplished, the lives she touched, and the love she spread.  

"And though she be but little, she is fierce!" 

Survivors include:
Parents, Rodger Jr. and Jeannie Owsley of Howe, IN.
Brother, Warrick Owsley of Howe, IN.
Paternal grandparents, Rodger Sr. and Susan Owsley of Howe, IN.
Maternal grandparents, Rev. James and Holly Payton of LaGrange, IN.
Great-grandfather, David Williams of Texas.
Aunt, Jessica and Joshua Downey of LaGrange, IN.
Aunt, Stacey Owsley of Avilla, IN.
Uncle, Jeremy Payton of LaGrange, IN.
Cousins, Jadon Payton, Trey Best, Dominic Downey, Zachary Payton, Sylus Payton, Jasmine Gerwig, Hailey Gerwig, and Jenna Gerwig.  

 
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 3:00pm with visitation prior from 12:00pm-3:00pm at New Life Fellowship, 2755 IN-5, Topeka, IN 46571.

Cremation will take place following the funeral services and burial will take place at a later time at Riverside Cemetery in Howe, IN.

Officiating the services will be Pastor Drew Ryall.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family for final expenses.

Arrangements and care trusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of LaGrange, IN.

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