Jeanne Owen Buhler

Jeanne Owen Buhler, age 96, died peacefully the morning of June 21, 2026, after a long and challenging journey with dementia. Jeanne was a remarkably kind and giving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Throughout her life she was generous, selfless, and happy to quietly play a supportive role for those she loved. Jeanne was observant, hopeful, a peacemaker, and a very necessary and consistent gentle force in the life of her adoring family. She never lost her sweet spirit; despite the battle she had to endure in her last years.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1929, she was the only child of Dewitt Leonard Owen and Marian Garrett Owen. She was married to Frank H. Buhler (deceased) for more than 67 years. They were devoted, and the perfect complement to one another. Together they built a life in Lynchburg, Va that was full of family, deep friendships, and community service.

Her family knew that Jeanne was at heart, an artist. Although raised to be dutiful (which she was), her need to express her colorful inner world was foremost in the way we all experienced her. She made her life, and the lives of those she loved, a celebratory journey: her home and gardens, her vibrant wardrobe and beautifully prepared meals all exuding her love of the life we were blessed to share. She was a painter, an opera and ballet lover, an accomplished pianist and a world traveler. She soaked up other cultures and admired other ways of life. She was an astute observer...and a self-proclaimed expert people watcher.

Jeanne served on several boards including the Child Care Center, The Fine Arts Center Art Board and was a past president of both the YWCA and the Adult Care Center Boards. She was a longtime member of the Ragged Robin Garden Club and a passionate member of a very special circle of women known as the "Friday Ladies." She was a committed member of First Presbyterian Church. She sang in their choir for many years and happily served her church in many varied capacities.

Jeanne is survived by her son Michael Owen Buhler and his wife Deidre of Lynchburg, Amy Buhler Scott and her husband Thomas of Lynchburg, four grandsons: Owen Buhler (Liz) of Shreveport, La, Nathaniel Buhler (Katherine) of Charlotte, NC, Thomas " Cooper" Scott and Garrett Berkley Scott both of Lynchburg, a step-granddaughter Victoria Bartholomew (Jordan Reeves) of Lynchburg, and numerous beloved great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. She was also pre-deceased by a step-grandson, Dylan Hague.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Jeanne’s caretakers for the last several years of her life including Belveny Horsley, Ellen Cooksey, and the extraordinary team at Westminster Canterbury’s Drinkard Health Care Center.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in the Chapel on July 11th at 2:30 PM. For those wishing to make a contribution in Jeanne’s memory, please consider the First Presbyterian Church, 1215 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.