PORT ANGELES — Clallam County officials are considering how best to honor the late Justice Susan Owens, a longtime resident and former Washington Supreme Court justice who died in March 2025 after retiring in late 2024.
The Washington Women Lawyers Olympic Peninsula Chapter initially proposed a statue or monument. Later, they suggested renaming the courthouse or a courtroom in her honor. County Administrator Todd Mielke said ideas are still being evaluated.
“We are unique. We’ve not had a lot of people from Clallam County move up to the position of Supreme Court justice, where other counties have had several. And I don’t know how those counties that have had several choose to acknowledge or show their respect for members who have reached the Supreme Court position,” said Mielke.
Several community members voiced support. Owens spent many years as the tribal judge for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Russ Hepfer, vice chair of the Tribe, reiterated why the tribe earlier sent a letter to commissioners asking the courthouse to be name after Owens.
“Susan is a very important person in our history and in our court system. She is fair, honest, and treated everybody equally. He probably said this courthouse should be named after her. It’s in Clallam County — not just Port Angeles County. This is the important part here. So I would strongly advocate for you to name it after her,” said Hepfer.
Others proposed a tribute in Forks, where Owens served the West End and worked closely with local tribes there.
A final decision is expected after legal review in the coming weeks. The Washington Women Lawyers group has offered to cover costs.