Frieda Misch Owen

Dr. Frieda Misch Owen, 96, who introduced “Wood Whispers” and National Board Teacher Certification to Wood County Schools, died September 15 at Wyngate Senior Living in Parkersburg.

Frieda was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and grew up in South Dakota where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Augustana College. She received a Ph.D. from New York University, with courses from Oxford University in England.

Frieda’s professional career included reporter for the Austin (Minnesota) Daily Herald; English professor, Huron (South Dakota) College; director of public relations, Owensboro (Kentucky) Public Schools; English/journalism teacher, Parkersburg South High School; Wood County Schools central office administrator; and adjunct professor, Washington State Community College.

Frieda was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Parkersburg. She loved music, wine, and chocolate, walking dogs, and bringing home a live Christmas tree.

Preceding Frieda’s death were her parents, Theodore and Myrtle Misch, her husband, David Ferguson Owen, and their daughter, Mary Greer Owen.

Frieda is survived by her son, Richard D. “Ky” Owen and daughter-in-law Tammy Johnson Owen of Charleston, her exchange student who she considered a son, Marco Kimmel of Colombia, grandchildren Aaron Owen and his wife, Britany Owen, of Charleston, Sierra Ferrell, Justin Hannigan (Brianne), Brooke Willard (Thomas), and Haley Arthur, and great-grandchildren Lila Hill and Nash Hill.

Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, South Parkersburg, has been entrusted with Frieda’s finals wishes and is honored to serve her family.