Retta Mae Powell, 92

Retta Mae Powell, 92, “left the bounds of this life to touch the hand of God,” at Heritage Place in Kalispell, surrounded by her loving family members; daughter, Jean Hedger; granddaughter, Lindsay Hedger, son, Terry Powell; sister, Mrs. Joseph Wagoner; and niece, Mrs. Rud Knudsen.

Retta was born on Aug. 26, 1918, in Lewiston, Idaho to Lenore L. Buchanan and Nellie Mae (Dryer) Buchanan.

Being the child of a teacher, she was taught to read before the age of five, and enjoyed reading ever since. She graduated valedictorian of her class at the age of 15 in Big Timber and completed three years of premed studies at Montana State College in Bozeman. She was inducted into Biological Sciences Honor Society Phi Sigma.

Retta married her college sweetheart, Charles Sargent Powell, on June 13, 1937, at Bozeman Presbyterian Church. They made homes in Great Falls, Butte, Kalispell, and Pittsburgh, Pa.

In Kalispell Retta was co-owner of C. Powell Electric for 40 years; she worked as bookkeeper 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.

As a citizen of Kalispell, she became very active in Eastern Star where she became Montana's Grand Worthy Matron in 1976, in the Presbyterian Church singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school, and in Business and Professional Women where she served as a state president. Retta used her gift of singing to enrich the lives of others in her various interests.

In her later years, she and Charlie would spend winters in Waikiki, where she led a Hawaiian singing group on the beach daily. People from all over the world would gather to listen and often join in, having been attracted by her infectious enthusiasm, joyful spirit, and encouragement.

Her final years were spent at Prestige Assisted Living and the Heritage Place where she still inspired others with her singing abilities. Her caregivers often commented on her grateful attitude in all aspects of her life.

Throughout all her community activities, Retta managed to be a successful mother to her three children, encouraging and helping them in their various interests and activities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Powell; parents, Lenore Buchanan and Nellie Mae Turner; her sister, Mary Lee Boyd of Kelso, Wash.; half sister, Harriett Taylor; and a son, James H. Lee Powell.

She is survived by her children, Terry Powell and wife, Jane of Kalispell, Jean Powell Hedger and husband, Dave of Mount Vernon, Wash., and Wayne Powell of Kalispell; grandchildren and their spouses, Erik and Karen Powell of Montgomery, Ohio, Thor Powell of Plains, Douglas and Ann Hedger of Tacoma, Wash., Greg and Jennifer Hedger of Sedro-Woolley, Wash., Lindsay Hedger of Mount Vernon, Wash., Julie and David Fogle of Lewistown, Scott and Jina Powell of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jason Powell of Ypsilanti, Mich.; great-grandchildren, Greta and Sonya Powell, Tyler Hedger, Sandy, Luke and Genevieve Hedger, Briana King, Jordyn and Ethan Fogle, and Karin and Rowan Powell; sister, Mrs. Joseph Wagoner of Kalispell; half sister, Gertrude Martin of Denver; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Retta will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell with Pastor Glenn Burfeind officiating, and the Ada Chapter No. 17 Order of Eastern Star conducting a committal ceremony. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Esterelle Scholarship Fund, in care of Barbara Knutson, 824 Eighth Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901, Shriners Hospital For Children, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane, WA 99204 or First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Retta's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Retta’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.