Barbara Steele Owens, 78, passed away after a brief illness on May 30, 2025, in Marion, Arkansas. She was born in 1947 in Monette, Arkansas, a small farming community, in Craighead County and was raised on the farm by her parents alongside her five siblings. During her early years, she worked on the farm, learned to play the piano and sew, and was named FFA Sweetheart. In her later years, she was known for spreading kindness to others and her sense of style. 

Barbara, affectionately called ''Mutah'' was a loving mother and grandmother and leaves behind her two children and their spouses, Candace and Thomas Ohlmeier and Jason and Mandy Owens. She adored her five grandchildren, Sarah Ohlmeier, Hannah Ohlmeier, Mallory Owens, Jackson Owens and Hudson Owens. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents JD Steele and Mildred DeFries Steele and her brother John Steele. She leaves behind four siblings: Max Steele, Pat Qualls, Ruthie Cullum and Jim Steele.

 A graveside service to honor her life will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11 am in Macey Cemetery with Jason Owens officiating. In lieu of flowers, any lasting memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) or Bethabara Baptist Church P.O. Box 33 Lake City, AR 72437.