Mary Beth Owens Gross

   Mary Beth Owens Gross passed away on January 4, 2024 at Gateway Banner Hospital in Gilbert, Arizona from complications of cancer. She was born on April 15, 1957 at St John’s Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, the daughter of Frederick and Carlyn (Palmer) Owens. Mary graduated from North High School class of 1975 in Fargo and studied Human Services, Addiction Studies, and Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, class of 1991.

   Her passion for helping women led Mary to begin her career as a Client Advocate at the AWAIC Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis Center in Anchorage, Alaska from 1991-1994. She then went on to Alaska Airlines as a Customer Service Representative in the cargo department from 1998 until her retirement in 2010.

   Her lifetime of health struggles showed her true strength and brought her closer to God. She attacked her health challenges with fierce determination, loved with her whole heart, and her belief in God streamed from the depth of her soul. She embraced the philosophy “Whatever adversity…never ever give up. This world is so much better with you in it.”

   Mary is survived by her husband Mike Gross of Chandler, Arizona; former husband Doug Wren of Anchorage, Alaska; son Matthew (Tawni) Wren Pahala, HI; grandsons Jacob Wren of Pahala, HI; David Wren and life partner Jasmine of Columbia, MO; great grandchildren Alycia and Riley; stepdaughter Niki (Matt) Eley of Vancouver WA; stepson Randy (Erin) Gross of Seattle WA; great-grandchildren Wolfgang, and Sienna; her siblings David (Karen) Owens of Sun City West, AZ; Richard Owens of Fayetteville, AR; Kathleen (David) Velde of Granite Falls, MN; Douglas (Sandy) Owens of Fargo, ND; and Sara Granger of Fargo, ND; numerous nephews and nieces and grandnieces and nephews.

   Mary was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Carly Owens; and her brothers Greg Owens and Dan Owens.

   A private service will be held.

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