March 18, 1982 - June 3, 2023
Hilah Noelle (Sherman) Owen was born March 18, 1982, in Iowa City to Brad and Carole Sherman. Hilah passed away June, 2023, in Algona.
She grew up a “pastor’s kid,” received a Christian education from 1st through 8th grade at ICBF (Hillside) Christian school in Coralville and graduated from Iowa City West High School.
She met her future husband Brent Owen in a Bible study when she was 16 and they started dating two years later. Hilah said the first time she saw Brent, God told her he was the man she was going to marry. After high school, Hilah attended Kirkwood Community College.
Brent and Hilah were married on June 1, 2002, and were married for 21 years. Once married, Hilah worked to put Brent through Engineering school, and then later, Medical school. While working full-time, Hilah went back to Nursing school at Kirkwood and earned her Registered Nurse degree. Hilah worked as a nurse in the intensive care unit and later in pediatrics. When their second child was born, Hilah “retired” from nursing but later completed her education, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, all while taking care of her children and running the household.
After Brent completed his residency training in 2012 in Wichita, Kan., Brent and Hilah moved to Algona. In Algona, Hilah became involved in the community, leading many small groups, Bible studies, and MOPS. She was well known for supporting local businesses and giving back to the community. In 2017, Brent and Hilah built their dream home and began building their farm. Hilah embraced farm life and did not consider herself a farmer’s wife but a farmer. Hilah always had a place in her heart for those in need, and in 2020, Hilah and Brent began foster parenting. She also felt a calling to homeschool and spent the last three years intensely investing in the education of her four children.
Hilah enjoyed music and taught herself to play many instruments. She loved reading and was always looking for books to help her become a better person. She helped many lead healthier lives through her roles as an Optiva health coach and Senegence consultant. She also loved gardening and flowers. She always loved animals and that love grew with her farm as she added many chickens, ducks, horses and other animals. She introduced her children to 4-H and enjoyed helping them show the family animals at the county fair. She was a staunch patriot, taught her children to love their country, and served on the Kossuth County Republican Central Committee.
At a young age Hilah devoted her life to Jesus. She began preaching at age five and went on mission trips to Latin America in her teens. Her relationship with Jesus was always growing; she loved sharing her faith with others, and she was passionate about teaching her children the Word of God.
Hilah will be remembered for her kindness, strength, beauty and positive outlook on life. She did not just multi-task but excelled at multi-tasking. She was a difference maker and was uncompromising in her integrity and morals. She was never afraid to take a stand no matter the cost. She had a warrior spirit and was protective of her family. Hilah loved her family, children and friends fiercely. She was Brent’s beautiful and powerful queen.
Hilah is survived by her soul mate and beloved husband of 21 years, Brent; four beautiful children Nile (15), Emelia (13), Josephine (10), Noelle (7); parents Brad and Carole Sherman of Williamsburg; grandparents Jack and Carole Jo Byrd of Oak Ridge, Mo.; brother Benjamin (Stephanie) Sherman of West Des Moines; sister Abigail (Joe) Whitsitt of Iowa City; brother Jason (Lena) Sherman of Indianola; mother-in-law Chris Owen of Solon; sister-in-law Carrie (Matt) Nation of Tampa Bay, Fla.; brother-in-law Jason (Rachel) Owen of Solon; and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by grandparents Bill and Naidene Sherman, aunt Deborah Myers, and father-in-law Dave Owen.
A celebration of Hilah’s life was held Friday, June 9, 2023, at Grace Church in Algona. It was led by Pastor Jason Fischer of Algona Faith Church, the church the Owen family are active members of. The service was livestreamed on the Faith Church Facebook page.
Memorials may be directed to the Hilah Owen Memorial Fund which her family will distribute to her favorite charities, one of them being Kaden’s Closet. Faith Church would like to thank Grace Church for their kindness offering the family and friends of Hilah the space to grieve and celebrate her life together. They also appreciate their members hosting and helping with a luncheon following the service. Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona in charge of arrangements.