Memorial service for Ethel McDade Hutchins Owen, 91, of Elgin, South Carolina, will be held by the family on Monday, November 24, 2025, at St. David’s Episcopal Church of Columbia, South Carolina, with Father William “Scotty” Brock officiating and a reception following.

Mrs. Ethel, “Mac” Owen was born on February 7, 1934, in Shreveport, LA, and died September 8, 2025, in a local hospital. Mac was one of four children of the late John Lee Hutchins and Ethel Elston McDade.

While attending and later graduating from the Texas College of Arts and Industry in Kingsville, TX, Mac met Louis M. Owen from Sinton, Texas. They married in 1954, and “Tuffy” and “Mac” made their home in Sinton.

Between 1955 and 1962, Mac and Tuffy welcomed their four children: Melissa, Mark, Michael, and Matthew. Mac began her teaching career in Sinton, while Tuffy managed the Owen Family Farms. Their shared love for the outdoors—encompassing fishing, hunting, and long drives—became an integral part of their lives and those of their children. Family always came first, whether it was story time, with Epaminondas and His Auntie by Sara Cone Bryant, retelling stories related to the Sycamore Tree and its folklore, and sharing volumes of Shakespeare. In 1993, Mac said, “I cried a pond” when Matt and Diana found a 1916 The Stories To Tell Little Ones; a keepsake connecting our family and to be shared.

In 1977, Mac moved to Alaska, where Tuffy's life on the slopes began in Eagle River. Mac taught at Chugiak High School and embraced a new life filled with hockey, cross-country skiing, and family friends, particularly the MacDonalds and the Pescods. After her teaching career in Alaska, Mac relocated to Puyallup, Washington, and then to South Carolina, where she lived close to her daughter and son. During this time, she formed a lifelong friendship with Jackie Cassidy, a friend from Alaska, who helped her stay involved in her church and meet new friends—something that Mac always excelled at. Favorite hat—any style! Favorite color—red. Favorite flower—pick one you like, too. Favorite book/movie—Gone With The Wind. Favorite food—BLT (extra slice of bacon). Chocolate is good any time. And Favorite holiday—Christmas.

Mac had a passion for reading and letter writing; she shared with Cassidy and Maddi, sending out hundreds of cards over the years. She painted, and Green Acres will be cherished in my home along with the beautiful flower arrangement painted by Grandma. Her skills in Bridge were impressive, and she enjoyed sewing and gardening, just like her mother, sharing these activities with her children. The grandsons’ adventures: a missed shot by Nic, causing a ricochet to Jon’s forehead (box was missed), Lucas and Scrabble challenges, Nic, Grandma, a mad ride in a go-cart, and Rhys on an elephant ride, though the train was better. She spent a considerable amount of time in the kitchen, passing down cherished recipes throughout her life and sometimes engaging in competitions to see who could cook the best coconut cake or pie. At Christmas, Mother and I agreed that Lee’s Peanut Brittle was masterful! And Matt will continue to perfect smoked turkey. In her classroom, she introduced students to her love of board games, including Scrabble, Dominoes, Monopoly, and solving Cryptoquotes. Games played at home often led to challenges and moments of discovery, with Guy and word challenges; better yet-- the word yeet, once used by Rhys. What followed was a healthy discussion of legal Scrabble words! Mac even worked as a cross-country coach in Alaska—who would have guessed! Mac dedicated countless hours of volunteer work to the Episcopal church, where her involvement in the Altar Guild and Bible study provided her with strength and compassion. Her generosity and love for family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her daughter Melissa Ann “Missy”, her husband Guy Thomas, and their son Rhys McDade, as well as, great-granddaughters Elizabeth and Penelope. She is also survived by her son Matthew William Owen, (wife, Diana), and son Nicholas Owen, Jonathan Owen, and great-grandson Atlas; Lucas Owen and Sky, along with great-grandson Matthew. G-Mac’s granddaughters, Cassidy Owen, married to Drew Drake, and great-grandson, Xander, and Maddison Owen of Alaska, also survive her.

Additionally, she is survived by her brothers Lee Hutchins and wife Roberta and family of Texas, as well as Charlie Hutchins and wife Nelda and family of Louisiana. Her sister Helena preceded her in death, and Helena Whitstine’s family remains in Alaska.

Mac was preceded in death by her parents, John L. and Ethel McDade Hutchins. Her husband, Louis "Tuffy" Owen, passed away in 1979, along with her sons Michael Stuart Owen and Mark Louis Owen, who both died in 2023.

Our family would like to thank the staff at The Blake at Woodcreek Farms for their care and support. In addition, our family is appreciative of the friendship and thoughtfulness given by the McDonald Clan. Debbie and Tim Cassidy (Jackie and Mac's adventures on road trips and shopping excursions), Jodie Harris, Melanie Torrance, Lynn and “Lonnie” Nassivera, and Father William “Scotty” Brock. Forever in her heart was Remedy, a vizsla, a faithful companion.

Memories and condolences may be added at Powers Funeral Home of Lugoff, SC.

Instead of sending flowers, consider planting a flower or two, a tree, or just filling a basket with flowers from the garden. My mother's love for birds and the joy she found in classifying and identifying new species inspired me to keep my feeders filled. In her memory, donations can be made to the National Audubon Society.

Yes, Mother, we will continue to read books, share memories of the holidays, and celebrate you.