Caralee Ann Owens was born to parents, William and Loretta on October 25, 1942 in Emporia, KS. She lived most of her childhood in Hutchinson, KS where she graduated from high school and later attended Hutchinson Junior College. She then enrolled at Emporia State Teacher's College. Caralee married Rodney Mueller and moved to Wichita, KS, where she had her sons, Derek and Brian. In 1976 the family relocated to Tucson, AZ, where her son, Brad was born.
Caralee lived a life full of joy, peppered with challenges and one that blessed the lives of many others. She will be forever remembered for her spunky attitude, kooky sense of humor, kind and gentle nature, exhuberant laugh, generous heart, handwritten cursive notes, and warm hugs. Caralee was tiny but mighty. Her small stature was overcoming by her huge desire to live life to the fullest. She bravely faced challenges with a fight and determination that was quite admirable. Her faith in Christ and encouragement from family and friends helped her endure her trails. Caralee loved to have fun. She cherished being a mother to her three sons. She valued the many friendships she made and kept over the years. She enjoyed traveling in the US and abroad. She was fond of playing tennis, jogging, reading, watching movies and taking photos. Caralee was a lover of art and through much study and practice became an accomplished water color portrait artist.
Her love of children led her to being a full-time nanny. She also owned and managed various rental properties. Later in life she moved to Vero Beach, FL to live near her son and daughter-in-law an her three granddaughters whom she treasured, and they in return adored their "Cece."
She was very doting and involved in their lives. During the last three years of her life, Caralee was battling leukemia. During one of her remission, she was able to travel to Paris with a childhood friend. During her last remission she reconnected with a friend from high school, Mr. Jim Reed. Their time together was not near long enough. Yet in their short time together, they shared a great love and endearing friendship which made her last days sweet.
Caralee is survived by her brothers, Robert and Carl, her three sons, Derek (wife, Stacy and three daughters, Hannah, Camille & Lydia), Brian and Brad, and her sweetheart, Jim.
A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm, on Friday, August 28, 2015 at First Covenant Church in Vero Beach, FL.
An online guest book may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com