Lois W. Powell, 84, passed away on Sept. 4, 2015 at Powder River Manor, Broadus, MT, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her immediate family. Lois was born on Dec. 12, 1950 in Broadus, MT to William Bly Bartholomew and Evelyn Bartholomew. She grew up on Butte Creek on the family ranch. She graduated from Powder River County High School; class of 1949. Lois married Wesley Powell of Biddle, MT on Sept. 16, 1949, and they resided on the Powell family ranch near Biddle on Ranch Creek. To this marriage, two sons were born; Stanley and Terry.
Lois and her husband, Wesley, were active 4-H leaders in the community. They enjoyed helping the youth of the area in many activities, but especially so in the area of Beef Production. It was the highlight of the fair for them to assist the youth in the Powder River Fair with the Beef Show and Showmanship. They rarely missed the county fair and also attended other county fairs as well. Even after they were not active 4-H leaders they would help local youth prepare their Beef animals for the fair. In 2005 they had the Powder River County Fair Book dedicated to them due to their many years of involvement with the 4-H program.
Lois and her husband enjoyed traveling and attending square dances all over the area. She could dress to the “nines” and kick up her heels with the best of them. She and Wes called square dances many times. Lois even taught square dancing to the children at the Biddle School.
Early in the 90’s, Lois organized and directed rural theater events (plays) to help raise funds for the then new Biddle Community Heritage Center. In addition to organizing, scheduling and directing plays, she also kept the cast fed. These plays traveled to outlying communities to perform, thus expanding the funds raised for the Biddle Community. She also directed a play for the All Class Reunion Celebration in 1996. In addition to directing she wrote some scripts for children’s plays that were performed at the Biddle School. Many said acting and directing probably was her “true calling in life.”
She served on the local election board for over 60 years and only retired due to declining health.
As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother she worked tirelessly to make family life as perfect as possible. She spent much time working side by side with Wes making sure the ranch prospered as well. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life. She truly adored them all and spent as much time as possible with them.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, William Bly and Evelyn Bartholomew; three sisters, Thelma Ballensky, Yvetta McIntosh, and Ethel Claire ‘Teddy’ Saunders; one brother, Charles Vernon Bartholomew and her husband Wesley Powell.
She is survived by one brother, Don Bartholomew; her two sons, Stanley (Bonnie) Powell of Biddle and Terry (Rose) Powell of Biddle; four grandchildren: Bradley Powell, Jillian (Kyle) Dahlgren, Ryan Powell, and step grandchild, Riley Veis. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren.
The family of Lois would like to thank the staff of Powder River Manor for their loving care and Stevenson’s Funeral Home for their assistance. A private family graveside service will be held Sept. 11, 2015, in Miles City, MT. Memorials may be made to the Powder River Manor or the charity or organization of your choice.
Stevenson funeral home 09/08/2015.
Retta Mae (Buchanan) Powell
Parents:
Lenoir Leonard and Nellie Mae (Dryer) Buchanan
Marriage:
Charles Sargent Powell - June 13, 1937 - Bozeman, MT
Work:
In Kalispell, Retta was co-owner of C. Powell Electric for 40 years, she worked as book keeper and general manager. She introduced the first business use computer into Kalispell and taught herself how to write the programs to use in their business
Survived By:
Her children, Terry (Jane) Powell; Jean Powell Hedger and husband Dave; and Wayne Powell; her grandchildren and their spouses, Erik and Karen Powell, Thor Powell, Douglas and Ann Hedger, Greg and Jennifer Hedger, Lindsay Hedger, Julie and David Fogle, Scott and Jina Powell and Jason Powell; great-grandchildren are Greta and Sonya Powell, Tyler Hedger, Sandy, Luke and Genevieve Hedger, Briana King, Jordyn and Ethan Fogle, Karin and Rowan Powell; her sister, Mrs. Joseph Wagoner and her half-sister, Gertrude Martin
Death:
Retta passed away at Heritage Place in Kalispell
Source: Marriage Lic., Daily Inter Lake.