Owen Orson Berrett passed away peacefully in his home due to congestive heart failure on July 3, 2021. He was born March 11, 1947, in Ontario, OR at Holy Rosary Hospital to Wayne and Ruth Berrett. He was raised in Sunset Valley, SW of Nyssa, until he graduated from high school in 1965 as a salutatorian. He continued his education by attending the University of Utah for one year. He then served in the Gulf States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two years. Upon returning, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. Although Owen and Sharon (Winegar), his wife, were raised in the same area, they first became acquainted at BYU and were married August 21, 1969, in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple.
While attending BYU, they welcomed their first “souvenir” (child), and only son, Jason. Upon graduating from BYU, Owen accepted an internal auditing position with Exxon oil company and the family moved to Dallas, Texas. While there, Owen earned his CPA license and Tonya was born. They then moved to Houston, TX where Andrea was born. Exxon relocated them to Charlotte, NC where Cynthia was born. Owen decided to make a career change and return back to his roots in Oregon by becoming a farmer. That is when they had their fifth and final child, Denise.
Owen farmed for 24 years, two years in Jordan Valley, OR and the remaining in Nyssa, OR. Faith was an important part of his family life. He served diligently in multiple religious positions (i.e. scoutmaster, clerk, advisor, and other leadership responsibilities). For ten years he contributed to the Malheur Health District Board, which was instrumental in establishing the Malheur Memorial Health Clinic, and the Nyssa Gardens Assisted Living Facility.
After farming for many years, they made the difficult decision to sell the farm in late 2001.
Owen had a variety of interests. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was an excellent conversationalist. He also had a passion for learning and listened to ‘60’s classical and county music. Owen felt very blessed to have great neighbors and church members who dedicated time attending to his needs as his health declined.
He is survived by Sharon (wife) and five children: Jason (Rosa), Tonya (Stephen), Andrea (Paul), Cynthia (Patrick), and Denise (Nathan). Owen and Sharon have 11 grandchildren and he loved spending time with them. He is also survived by four sisters and two brothers: Vivian (David), David (Connie), Elaine (Dean), Reta (Ron), Lila (Mark), and Dale (Sharon).
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Owyhee building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 848 Owyhee Ave, Nyssa, OR, on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. No graveside service will be held. The funeral will also be live streamed at https://tvpbn.com/owenberrett
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Gregory Barrett Sumner says
July 5, 2021 at 10:15 pmI wish you all the deepest strength in your (our) loss. Owen was my best pal in High School. We’ve lost a gentleman, a scholar, and a wit, a brother, uncle and father and friend…..
Joyce ( Vaughn) Dayley says
July 6, 2021 at 6:40 amThe first time I met Owen was in Memphis Tennessee in 1967, I had started a new job and my boss ( Tom Myers) called me into his office…..there sat two nice looking young men with suits on and name badges…. Elder Berrett and Elder Benson, I remember thinking how interesting that they had the same first name. My boss then asked me the golden question….How much do you know about the Mormon Church and would you like to know more. In 1968 we did not have “google” but we did own encyclopedia’s …when I went home, I searched to see what a Mormon was. I later said yes to the missionary question because it was my intention to convert them to my church. I took the standard 6 missionary lessons and then for the next 4 months they made up extra lessons. I finally told them they could come back to visit BUT no more lessons….I was staying with my church. Strangely I woke up early the next morning and for some reason decided to pick up the unread Book of Mormon they gave me four months earlier and began to read. That night about 9 pm I called the elders and said I want to be baptized….I later learned that when they left Friday night , they started a 24 hour fast for me that I might know the church was true. When I called they had just ended the fast and when the phone rang , Elder Berrett told Elder Benson….that’s Joyce telling us she wants to be baptized.! 53 years later I have never regretted that decision. Don’t ever think “ one person can not change a life” Elder Berrett was that person that changed my life and the life of my future family. I have a son that served a mission, I have grandchildren that served missions and a son serving as a Bishop. When a young person leaves home to teach the gospel they have no idea how much power they hold to change lives! Thank you Elder Berrett for being true to the gospel and for not giving up on me. ( in 1968 I also had 12 friends that joined the church that year) Always thankful , Joyce ( Vaughn) Dayley
Kathleen Anderson says
July 6, 2021 at 7:39 pmSo very sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is always hard to lose a loved one. But we understand Heavenly Fathers plan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories ad knowledge give you comfort.
Love,
Kathleen and Kip
Mike and Lynda Reynolds says
July 7, 2021 at 7:08 amThoughts and prayers to your family. Rest In Peace.
Nick & Shelene Castro says
July 7, 2021 at 2:38 pmWe are saddened to hear of Owen’s passing. We could not have had a better neighbor and he will be sorely missed. Sharon, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please be sure to let us know if there is anything at all we can do to help you through this time. We are only a phone call away. Again, we are so very sorry. We know Owen is in a happier, better place.
Much love, from Nick & Shelene Castro
Steve and Verna Yungen says
July 8, 2021 at 5:54 pmCondolences to the family and friends of Owen Berrett. Owen was a good friend and neighbor when we lived in Sunset Valley. It was a privilege to have known him.
Steve and Verna Yungen
Cathy Anderson says
July 17, 2021 at 6:07 pmSo sorry to hear about Owen. My deepest sympathy to you Sharon and your precious family,