Ava Irene ("Chic") Owens

Ava Irene (“Chic”) Owens, 89, of Abilene, Texas passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 after entering Hospice at Hendrick South for the last couple of hours of her life. The last year “Chic” had struggled with different health issues resulting from an inability to stand and walk with much stability resulting in multiple falls.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road and Funeral Services 11:00 A.M. at Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler Avenue and burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 US-277.

“Chic” was born June 25, 1935 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Jesse Monroe Chipman, Jr. and Ava May Wood. The Chipman family moved several times during her school years spending most of those years in Liberty, Texas and graduating High School at Lubbock High School in Spring, 1953. She then entered Abilene Christian College that Fall and met Mervin, a Junior, the first week of school in the Student Activity Center playing ping pong. They had many dates and games until they became engaged near Mervin’s graduation in May, 1955.

Mervin and Chic were married June 9, 1956, and moved to Denison, Texas where he began his work for the Post Office in August. In 1957, a son, Ralph Wayne Owens, was born and then a daughter, Donna Kay Owens born in 1959. In August 1964, Mervin was transferred to Brownwood, Texas with the Post Office and “Chic” began working as the Austin Avenue Church of Christ Secretary. In 1966, a daughter, Tammy Gail Owens was born. Then in April, 1974, Mervin was transferred to Abilene, where “Chic” worked for Christian Homes of Abilene then in the Registrar’s office and the Education Department offices of Abilene Christian University, until her retirement.

“Chic” is survived by her son, Ralph W. Owens and his wife, Stephanie of Austin and daughter, Tammy G. Salisbury and husband Tom, of Tuscola, 6 grandchildren, Bradley A. Nichols, Nicole R. Allen, Jessica J. Nichols, Jordan M. Owens, Jarrod M. Owens and wife, Alexandra, Jocelyn M. Owens Midkiff and husband Luke and Tammy’s step daughters; Miranda Hebert and husband, Brent; Morgan King and husband, Ken and their families. 4 great grandchildren, Abbigail M. Wood, Hazel Ryan Owens, Landon Maddox Owens and Harper James Owens. “Chic” is also survived by her sister-in-law Peggy Clark and husband Floyd and three sons; Michael, Jerry and Matt and their wives and children. Her cousins including Nancy Rhodes of Abilene.

“Chic” was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jesse M. Chipman, III and his wife, Ann, husband Mervin F. Owens, Jr., daughter, Donna Kay Owens Nichols and grandson, Anthony Nichols.

Pallbearers are Brian Burton, Marty Martinez, Kevin Easley, Brent Hebert, Ken King and Jason Holle.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Christian Homes & Family Services of Abilene, Texas at https://christianhomes.com/give-today