Watertown Memorial Walk to Honor Kendra Owen Set for Friday at Doc’s Bar and Lions Park
- Steve Jurrens
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The family of Kendra Owen, a 28‑year‑old member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe who was found dead in her Watertown apartment in 2020, is inviting the community to join them in a new annual tradition meant to honor her life and ensure she is never forgotten.
The 1st Annual Kendra Owen Memorial Walk will take place Friday, August 28, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Doc’s Bar and concluding at Lions Park. Organizers expect 100 to 200 participants to join the walk, which they describe as a space for remembrance, healing, and community support.
Kendra lived with a mental disability and was known for her kindness, humor, and resilience. Her death in 2020 led to years of grief and unanswered questions for her family. In the attached court records and trial transcripts, her relatives repeatedly expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of clarity, limited evidence, and the painful reality that they may never receive the legal closure they hoped for.
Despite that, her family says they are determined to keep her memory alive.
“We refuse to let Kendra be forgotten. We are choosing to stand up, speak her name, and honor her life,” said her mother, Jewel DeMarrias, in announcing the event.
Following the walk, attendees will gather at Lions Park for a free meal and refreshments. The event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to participate.
Donations Supporting the Memorial Walk
To help cover event costs and continue annual remembrance efforts, the family is accepting voluntary donations. Contributions can be sent through:
· Venmo: @Jewel-DeMarrias
· Cash App: $VanettaLynn76
· PayPal: @3692jule
Organizers say all funds will go directly toward supporting the memorial walk and preserving Kendra’s legacy within the community.
Contact Information
For questions or additional support, the family can be reached at: Jewel DeMarrias: 701‑760‑0438; Todd: 605‑419‑1046
As the community prepares to gather later this week, Kendra’s family says the walk is not only a tribute to her life, but a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, love and remembrance endure.
