Elizabeth Grace Tuggle Owens, known lovingly as Beth or Mom O, passed away on July 13, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. She lived a life marked by generosity, courage, and kindness, and she leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire everyone who knew her. Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Ann Tuggle; her beloved husband, Gary; and her brother, Eugene George. She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Weiskopff (Bob); son, Charles Owens (Amy); and cherished granddaughters, Alexandria and Katherine Weiskopff. Beth was born and raised in Princeton, West Virginia. Beth and her husband Gary met while working for Celanese Corporation, married in 1970, and together they moved to Knoxville to study at the University of Tennessee. Beth earned her Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences and worked for more than thirty-five years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in biological research, including in the Environmental Mutagen Information Center, the Human Genome Project, and, among other projects, experiments using photoreceptors in chloroplasts to help create artificial retinas and restore sight. Outside of work, Beth lived with joy and enthusiasm. She was a longtime member of the Jaycees and an active member of her church. Beth loved swing dancing, attending concerts, botany, fishing, bird watching, travel, and spending time in the great outdoors. Beth held a special fondness for animals, adopting many strays in her lifetime. She especially treasured time with her beloved dog, Tad Cooper. Beth took great pride in being a mother and grandmother and carried her love for her family through every season of her life. She was a soccer mom in the fullest and best sense, and she became a very involved grandmother whose encouragement and presence will always be treasured. Beth gave her time, attention, and heart freely to her family and friends. Beth was well known for “adopting” anyone in need of a loving presence in their lives, and she considered all of her “kids” to be family. Those who knew Beth will remember her as a woman who carried herself with quiet strength and an open heart. She was generous, courageous in hardship, and intelligent in every sense of the word, and although she is sorely missed, her love carries on. A receiving of friends will be held at Memorial Funeral Directory in Princeton, West Virginia on August 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with a graveside service to follow at Roselawn Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Knoxville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the National Parks Conservation Association. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.