Kelsie D. Owsley

Our family lost our hero when Kelsie D. Owsley of Monroe passed away at home on Friday, December 16, 2022. He was 83 years old. Born May 15, 1939 in Monroe, he was the son of Reverend Anderson and Alafair (McDaniel) Owsley. They preceded his passing. He married the former Ruth Gardner on September 24,1960. They recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary and were role models to their children for their commitment to marriage. He retired after 30 years from Ford Motor Company, Monroe plant, in 2002. He was so proud to have supported his family through this work and was a proud UAW member. He had countless friends and stories to share from his days there. He and Ruth attended Monroe Missionary Baptist Church for 40 years. He was baptized there on May 12, 2019 by his good friend, Pastor Roy Southerland and was so happy to have his family witness this. Kelsie enjoyed old cars and owned plenty. He and his wife enjoyed riding around town in his cars and attending car shows. They enjoyed many years of annual family vacations, going for rides, eating out, and time spent with friends. He could fix almost anything and especially took pride in helping build one of their family homes on South Custer Road in 1987. He also took pride in painting each of their homes. Most of his true joys in life were moments spent with the entire family gathered at their home. He never missed an opportunity to attend events involving his grandkids sporting events, dance recitals, concerts and graduations. He was so proud of each grandchild and often bragged about them. He always said he had the best wife and marriage. Ruth was the absolute best caretaker over the past year and truly embodied the meaning of “in sickness and in health.” He often stated that he had the best kids and they include Kim (Jim) Dyar of Lambertville, Karole (Paul) Matthews of Monroe, and Kevin Owsley of Temperance. He was the most proud Pa to Matthew and Mitchell Cosby, Alexa and Ryan Matthews, and Madison and Mckayla Owsley. His two great-granddaughters, Adrianna and Laila Cosby brought him great joy. He is also survived by a brother, Robert Owsley of Lake Alfred, Florida and a sister, Arzella Broyles of Vandalia, Ohio as well as several nieces, nephews, and countless friends. His sister, Helen Raines, preceded him in death. Kelsie was often the life of the party and often said “no one has more fun than Kelsie!” He radiated joy and would light up any time his family or friends came by for a visit. Everyone should be so blessed to feel that kind of love. He truly loved life and said, “Every day is a good day.” Visitation will be Thursday, December 22, at the Bacarella Funeral Home in Monroe from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Pastor Roy Southerland will hold the service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be private. For memorials, please consider Gabby’s Ladder of Monroe or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. It’s impossible to put into words what he meant to our family. The loss is tremendous and our lives are forever changed. We take comfort knowing we all have wonderful memories, he lived his best life, and we will see him again.

Kelsie D. Owsley

May 15, 1939 - December 16, 2022