Powell, Rachel

Rachel Powell died peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at Parkview Manor in Wellman at the age of 94 years. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, at the United Church of Faith in Keota. The Rev. Dennis Hopes and the Rev. Ron Kennel will officiate. Burial will be in the Wellman Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at Powell Funeral Home in Keota.

Rachel was born July 27, 1916, in Latour, Mo., the daughter of Thomas L. and Nancy (Schrock) Byler. On Jan. 22, 1939, Rachel was united in marriage to Lewis J. Powell in Goshen, Ind., at Goshen College Mennonite Church. She worked with Lewis in the family business, and was an intrical part of Powell Funeral Homes. They also provided ambulance service for the area for many years.

Rachel is survived by two sons, Jared Powell and wife Jacque of Williamsburg and Paul Douglas Powell and wife T.J. of Wellman; eigh grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Nadine Yoder and husband Mike of Conyers, Ga.; a brother, Robert Byler of Tuscon, Ariz.; and a sister-in-law, Lois Byler of New Paris, Ind.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lewis in September 1989; daughter, Nancy Adams; great-grandson, Addison Powell; five brothers; and a sister.

A memorial fund has been established for United Church of Faith, Parkview Manor Chaplaincy Program, Wilson Memorial Library and Lagos Acres.

Messages may be sent to the family at