Mary Margaret (Ough) Powell

Aug. 6, 1932 - March 1, 2009

BENKELMAN -- Mary Margaret (Ough) Powell, was born to Harry L. and Elizabeth M. (Gibb) Ough in Benkelman Aug. 6, 1932.

She was a member of the graduating class of Benkelman High School in 1950 and went on to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University for one year before attending Colorado A&M where she graduated in 1954. Mary Margaret did graduate work at Denver University, Kearney State Teachers College and the University of Kansas. She taught high school Home Economics, English, Art and Library Science in Hanna, Wyo., Stratton, Haigler and Benkelman, Neb., for 34 years. She was also involved with and sponsored various school activities throughout her teaching career.

On June 5, 1955, Mary Margaret was united in marriage to Gary L. Powell at Benkelman. To this union, four children were born, Jeffrey Ough, Paige Elizabeth, Jonathan Todd and Katherine "Kit" Ann.

Mary Margaret was a lifelong member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church and received her 50-year membership pin, sang in the church choir and delighted in serving as the church organist for many years.

She was a member of the United Methodist Women and also served as a District Officer for eight years. She was active in 4-H both as a child and with her children, and was a member of the Nebraska Federated Garden Club, the Red Hat Coffeecuppers, the Benkelman Women's Club and a 50-year member of the P.E.O. sisterhood - Chapter ER.

On Sunday, March 1, 2009, Mary Margaret, 76, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, while at her daughter's home in Holdrege, Neb., where she was surrounded by her loving family.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Harry and Elizabeth Ough and her husband, Gary Powell.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Powell and wife, Mindy of Parks, Neb., Paige Fuerst and husband, Cedric of Holdrege, Jonathan Powell of Denver, Colo., Kit Wijnstein and husband, August of Washington, DC; grandchildren, Harley, Rebecca, J.D., Kyler and Grace Powell, Garret and Allison Fuerst and Carter and Maxwell Wijnstein; sister, Barbara Waters and husband, Bradley of Bird City, Kan.; nephews and nieces, Greg Waters, Ann Waters-Dahl, Matt Waters and Jon Waters; and a host of other cousins, great nieces and nephews, and her many friends scattered across the prairies of the Midwest and foreign lands abroad.

In speech and demeanor, Mary Margaret's faith was earnest and fruitful; we who have had the priceless privilege of knowing her should know that she wanted us to celebrate her life and not be melancholy about her passing. She was reared in a Christian home in the fine old Scottish tradition, which called for the strictest of religious discipline -- this early, early training serving as a pattern for her life from which she never strayed. Her understanding heart will be remembered by everyone who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Brian Fong and Marcine Farmer, PMA, officiating.

Services will conclude at the church with the family gathering for a private inurnment at a later time.

A memorial has been established in her name.

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