Margaret Rachel Powell, 85

Margaret Rachel Powell, 85, passed away on Monday, Sept. 5, 2011, at home in Bigfork.

She was born in Cushing, Okla., on Aug. 25, 1926, to Charles and Lilly Alice (Doing) Simmons, and was raised in both Oklahoma and Kansas. Marge worked on the farm with her siblings while her father worked the oil pipelines.

She moved to California in 1952 and soon met and married a young Navy man, Tom Powell. Together they built a home in Gardena, Calif., and raised two children, Debbie and Tommy. Marge devoted her life to raising her children.

After a move to Kennewick, Wash., in 1979, the couple moved to Bigfork in 1985.

Marge was a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Marge is survived by her husband Tom R. Powell, son Tom D. Powell and wife Susan, and daughter Debra Cannon and husband Steve, all of Bigfork. She is also survived by grandchildren, Brooke Cannon of Kennewick, and Christopher Cannon of Kalispell.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. today, Sept. 9, at Lone Pine Cemetery, Bigfork, with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Marge’s family.