Hazel Irene Powell

Hazel Irene Powell was born on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1921 in Ellis, the third child of George W. and Ocie E. (McClure) Bartlett.

In 1928, at the age of 5, Hazel moved with her family to their farm/ranch near Max, and attended school in Max where she later graduated from Max High School.

On Oct. 21, 1939, Hazel was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Edgar B. Powell, and to this union, three children were born, Kay, Ken, and Keith.

Hazel was a faithful servant to her Lord, and a life-long member of the United Methodist Church. Her life as a farm wife was not only filled with raising her family, but raising a large garden, and canning the fruits of her labor. She enjoyed cooking and sewing, and was a competitive bowler. In her spare time she enjoyed needlework, making copper lamps, and numerous other crafts.

She was an active member of her community, where she served on the Max School Board, and PTA. She was a member of the Max Women's Club, the United Methodist Women, and helped with countless dinners and programs. Music was always a big part of her life, and she loved to sing.  She enjoyed working with youth groups at the church, and was also a 4-H Youth Leader.

After retirement, Hazel and Edgar moved to Benkelman where they built their new home in 1976. They enjoyed collecting antiques and were quick to find themselves in attendance at auctions throughout the area. In the winter months, Hazel and Edgar embraced the life of being "snow birds" and traveled to Mission, Texas to enjoy the warmer temperatures and company of newly-found friends.

Following the death of her husband, in 1995, Hazel began to feel the effects of Parkinson's disease, and moved to Powell, Wyo., to be closer to her daughter. 

She entered into the presence of her Lord on Thursday (Nov. 14, 2002) at the age of 81 years, 9 months, at the Powell Valley Health Care Center where she was cared for by angels on earth. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents, George and Ocie Bartlett; her loving husband of more than 55 years, Edgar B. Powell; and three brothers-in-law, E. Lee Todd, Earl S. Powell, and Orlie E. Powell; as well as her father and mother-in-law, Orlie I. and Lucy Powell.

Those who survive her and celebrate her life, include her daughter, Kay and husband, Robert Lebruska of Powell; sons, Ken Powell and wife, Kathie of El Paso, Texas, and Keith Powell and wife, Teresa of Lincoln; grandchildren, Stephen Lebruska and wife, Kristi of Billings, Mont., Stuart Lebruska and wife, Jennifer of Port Angeles, Wash., Scott Lebruska and wife, Laurie, and their daughter, Samantha Jean of Fort Collins, Colo., Kendra Powell of San Diego, Calif., Jacob Powell of Bozeman, Mont., Jason Powell of Austin, Texas, Jasmine Powell of Denver, Colo., Kaitlin Powell of McCook; great-granddaughter, Samanth Jean Lebruska; sister, Evelyn Todd of Grant; brothers, Robert Bartlett and wife, Ola of Imperial, Paul Bartlett and wife, Betty of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Vada (Powell) Nicholson and Wilma Grace (Hanson) Powell, both of North Platte; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday (Nov. 18, 2002) at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Norman Prather officiating.  Interment in the Benkelman Cemetery followed services.

Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.