Cari Jo Owens

Cari Jo Owens, 62, of Cle Elum, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Her family will host a celebration of her life starting at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at the Cle Elum Eagles. 

Cari Jo was born on January 24, 1962 in Seattle, Washington and spent her early years growing up in Nebraska. She returned to the pacific northwest in her early teens, making Cle Elum her home, and has resided here since that time. She graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1980.

Following graduation, Cari Jo went to work at The Sunset Cafe and worked there for 25 years. She made many friends during this time and loved her morning coffee drinkers that she would see daily. In the more recent years Cari Jo went to work for VR-365 as a housekeeper, a position she held until just months before her passing.

Cari Jo was married to Ray Owens, Jr. and they were blessed with three daughters - Chaeli, Kali and Timberlee. They were married for 20 plus years before they later parted ways.

Cari Jo loved the outdoors and had a knack for gardening and landscaping. She also enjoyed arts and crafts as well as baking, cooking and generally taking care of her family. Her daughters (and their friends) will always remember the Owens house as the “hangout place” because Cari Jo worked hard to make it comfortable, loving and welcoming for all who came through the door.

Cari Jo is survived by her daughters Chaeli (Tod) Ayers of Ephrata, Kali (Ryan) Reed of Cle Elum and Timberlee (Ed) Garcia of Ellensburg; grandchildren Jake, Allie, Mathias, Niyah and Tuck; siblings Dennae Lumsden, Steve (Susan) Warner and Teri Ann Wallgren, as well as a large extended family and many friends.

Memorial contributions in Cari Jo’s honor are suggested to KVH Hospice, 1506 E. Radio Road, Ellensburg. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of KVH Hospice for their love, care and support these last few months of Cari Jo’s life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com