Katelyn Nicole Owens

Katelyn Nicole Owens, age 15, a vibrant and talented young woman, died Tuesday morning, November 14, 2023, the result of a tragic traffic accident in Licking County. Katelyn  leaves behind a legacy of determination and joy. 

Born on February 4, 2008, in Dover, she was the daughter of Michael "Mike" and Erika (Grafe) Owens of Mineral City.

Katelyn's education was of great importance to her. She was a sophomore honor student at Tuscarawas Valley High School, who chose to double-up her academic workload in order to take college courses at Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus next year. Her commitment and ambition were evident as she worked towards achieving an honors diploma. Further, Katelyn participated in the band at Tusky Valley, playing the clarinet, finding fulfillment and happiness in making music with others.

Katelyn was proud of the fact that she was employed by Wood’s Tall Timber Resort in New Philadelphia. She had recently obtained her temporary permit and was learning how to drive. Katelyn  had an adventurous spirit that was exhibited through her thrill of riding motorcycles with her mother, father and uncle. She was also an avid trap-shooter with the Zoar Road Youth  and the Tusky Valley High School Trap Teams. Katelyn made friends easily and had many. As a busy teen, Katelyn very much enjoyed time spent with those she loved. 

Those closest to Katelyn hope that the tragedy that took her life will not overshadow or define how she will be remembered. Instead, her family and friends will cherish Katelyn for all she was able to experience and accomplish in so few years.

In addition to her parents, Mike and Erika, Katelyn will be dearly missed  by her brother, Anthony "A.J." Glass; her grandparents, Chris Owens and Cathy (Grafe) and Dave Schwartz; her great-grandparents, David and Wanda Wells; her special great-aunt, Deb Lones; her uncle and aunt, Jason and Michelle Owens; her uncle, Randall Grafe; her aunt, Tina Shull; her cousins, Bailee and Emilee Grafe, Garrett and Lizzie Smith, and Trevor and Hunter Shull; her much-loved dog, George; as well as many other loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Jim Owens and Randy Grafe.

Family and friends are invited to call Monday, November 20, 1 - 3 and 5 - 7 p.m. at NewPointe Community Church, Dover. Katelyn's life will be celebrated in a service at the church on Tuesday, November 21, beginning at 11 a.m. Pastor Dwight Mason will officiate. There will be a fellowship meal directly after the service at NewPointe. Katelyn’s family will privately lay her to rest later in Evergreen Burial Park, New Philadelphia.

Because of her love for animals, the family suggests that contributions in Katelyn's memory be made to the Tuscarawas County Dog Pound, 1751 Tech Park Dr. N.E., or the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd. N.E., both addresses at New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

Though Katelyn may no longer walk or march beside us, her memory will forever play a tune in our hearts.