Alyssa Owens

Alyssa C. Owens, a selfless champion whose caring spirit sought to make people’s lives better and who worked tirelessly to uplift her family, friends, and community, died on May 1. She was 35.

A youthful soul, Alyssa’s sudden death was tragic and came after she was involved in a vehicle crash while traveling to her home in West Texas.

Alyssa made a life sharing her big heart and beaming smile with everyone she came across. With an authentic love for people, she had bright eyes that radiated genuine warmth and a giving nature that directed her to find ways to do more for others. Whether it was prepping the coffee maker for the next morning’s caffeine fix or bringing back a gift to share from a trip, it was the small things she did to show she cared and that made people happy.

At the center of her love, was her family. Known as Mama Bear, she celebrated eight beautiful years of marriage with her husband Ryan and was a rockstar mother to her daughter Adaline, 5. Ryan and Alyssa met in 2011, and even with personalities and interests that were opposite in many ways, the couple married a few years later.

Her boisterous laugh and silly sense of humor filled their home. Greeting her husband with a princess birthday cake or popping out of a hiding spot to spray the pair with silly string, it was the occasional innocent practical joke that filled their days with happiness. To further that joy, she listened to Texas Country and Christian tunes, which got her tapping her toes and dancing with whomever was nearby. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen and was always looking for new recipes to make for dinner. Still, it was a juicy cheeseburger, or a steak cooked medium rare that brought her delight.

In her spare time, she enjoyed the tranquility of the outdoors, finding peace while working in the garden or taking long hikes to be among nature. As an experienced kayaker, she often spent time on the water, mostly along the Texas beaches in Corpus Christi, where she wanted to permanently settle down with her family. Alyssa had a thirst for travel, which took her around the country and included several trips to her favorite vacation spot of Aruba.

While born in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Alyssa was a true Texan at heart, having grown up in Bandera County and graduating from Bandera High School. She attended Schreiner University in Kerrville and graduated with a business management degree.

Her heart for people led her to work for H-E-B, where she spent nearly 15 years in various capacities. She joined as a cashier in 2006 and then transitioned into a corporate public affairs position as an intern in 2010. She briefly left the company in 2015 but returned four years later to her job in public affairs, playing a vital role in helping the company expand its presence in West Texas, including opening the first H-E-B in Lubbock.

Like in her personal life, Alyssa loved to go big in her service to the community. She regularly planned and participated in community outreach projects to support nonprofits and schools. She sat on several boards including the West Texas Food Bank in Midland, Lubbock Impact, and March of Dimes.

To many she worked alongside, Alyssa was a dear friend, but to those who knew her best, she was the big sister who was always the cheerleader and protector that stood up for others.

Close to her Christian faith, Alyssa went on a missionary trip to Panama and had hopes of going on more. For years, she was an active member of the Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Lamesa. Among her favorite scriptures was Philippians 2:1-18, which in her notes she partially summarized as, “Be comfortable in humility and know that God has his hand in everything. Be a light to this world and do it without complaining.”

Alyssa was preceded in death by Gerald S. Doyle Sr., grandfather. She is survived by Ryan Patrick Owens (husband), Adaline Beverly Owens (daughter, 5), Kellie and Joe Klesel (parents), Duane Trotman (father), Justin Trotman (brother), Kenneth Klesel (brother), Krystal Trotman (sister), Kaylie Trotman (sister), Beverly Doyle (grandmother).

Funeral Service

11 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023

Trinity Church, 7002 Canton Avenue Lubbock, TX 79413

A reception will take place at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CASA of South Plains, Lubbock Impact, Ronald McDonald House, or West Texas Food Bank - Midland.