Sheila L. Owens, age 76 of Fayetteville, PA passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026 with her family by her side at the Chambersburg Hospital. Her passing was due to an accidental fall the day before.
She graduated from James Buchanan High School in 1968 and married David “Tiny” Owens on September 17,1990. They shared 25 years of marriage until he preceded her in death in 2016.
Born on September 19,1950 in Bedford, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ivan Carson and Gaynelle Snyder Rosenberry (Dean).
She was known in the Mercersburg area as having been an employee of Mercersburg Cold Storage, Bill Hayes’ Market (then Jane’s Market) and Mercersburg and Lemasters Markets. Later in life, she worked at the Franklin County Nursing Home as an activities aide for the Alzheimer’s Unit.
Sheila was an almost 30 year member of the New Testament Baptist Church. She was devoted to her church family and was very active in the church. She loved to sing and was well known for sharing her voice at services. She was a Sunday School teacher and helped with Vacation Bible School and was passionate about supporting the church missionary abroad programs. She also could often be found whistling when she wasn’t singing and enjoyed thrift shopping adventures with a special group of ladies.
Sheila is survived by her loving son, Tracey B. Richard. Also by her sister Rhonda Carson Mellott and nieces Larissa Mellott (Eli Rotz) and Heather Johnston (Ray). Also by her grand-nephew and niece Chance and Ella Rotz and grand-dog Brie.
Sheila spent her life singing praises to the Lord, loving her family, and sharing her gentle heart with everyone she met. Her faith was her strength and her family was her greatest treasure. Her voice is now quiet, but we know she is singing in heaven and surrounded by the love of her Savior. Her song may have ended on earth, but her love will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Fries Funeral Home, 47 North Park Avenue, Mercersburg, PA with Pastor Marlin Fleck officiating.
There will be a viewing for one hour before the service begins and burial will take place at Stenger Hill Cemetery in Fort Loudon, PA.
Memorial donations may be sent to New Testament Baptist Church, 5444 Cumberland Highway, Chambersburg, PA 17202.
To send flowers to the family of Sheila, please visit the floral store.
