Marie Ellis Owens, age 76, of Forest City

Marie Ellis Owens, age 76, of Forest City, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026.

Marie was born March 14, 1950 in York County, SC to the late Melvin Ellis and Noraleen Plyler Smith. She attended Travis High School in Austin, TX and was a graduate of Ft. Mill High School. She attended Baptist Bible College Springfield, MO and North Greenville University. She became the managing teller at Northwestern Bank (Wells Fargo Bank) and served as Safety Manager for SCDOT for 40 years. She made commercials for the National Safety Council. Marie was a member of Alexander Missionary Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband 40 years, Robert "Bob" W. Owens and brother, Dr. Dennis Ellis.

Those left to honor her legacy include her son, Kevin Owens of Forest City; daughter, Renee Ruff (Pastor Michael Ruff) of Forest City; sister-in-law, Katya Ellis of Madisonville, TN; grandchildren, Kaitlin Owens, Austin Ruff (Bryanna), Kassidy Owens, Gavin Ruff and a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2pm Friday, October 30 at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Michael Ruff officiating.

Memorial donations suggested to Alexander Missionary Methodist Church, 145 Apache Trail, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrlesonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.