Irene Akin Powell

Irene Akin Powell passed away June 3, 2005, at Copperlake Assisted Living Center in Edmond, Okla., after a long illness with Alzheimer's Disease.

Irene was born Feb. 14, 1921, to Obadiah and Sarah Jane Akin in Heavener, Okla. She attended school and graduated from Heavener High School after which she received her bachelor of science degree in home economics from the University of Oklahoma in 1944.

In July 1944, Irene married Jack Harris Powell, Poteau Merchant and Kansas City Southern Railroad fireman. She taught in five Oklahoma schools and received her masters of education degree from the University of Arkansas in 1977.

The Powells moved to Rich Hill, where Irene taught Special Education at Rich Hill High School for 11 years, retiring in 1987. Mrs. Powell was co-organist for the United Methodist Church where she was active in United Methodist Women's group. Her other loves were Rich Hill Garden Club, Delta Kappa Gamma National Teachers Sorority and Kern Senior Center.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; two sisters, Louise Jackson and Doris Evans; one nephew; one grandnephew; and one grandniece. Survivors include her sister-in-law and brother-in-law (care-givers) Mary and Bob Plumlee of Edmond, Okla.; six nieces, Janna Brinkoetter, Mary Margaret Thacker and Christy Foster, all of Edmond, Okla., Carrie Hamilton, of Hurst, Texas, and Mary Lou Waite and Margaret Taylor, of Canada; three nephews, Robert Kent Plumlee, Stilwell, Kan., David Jackson, Canada, and Michael Evans, Michigan; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

Services for Irene were held at Heuser Funeral Chapel in Rich Hill, Tuesday, June 7, at 11 a.m., with Mary Lou Toft officiating.

Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church of Rich Hill, or to the Alzheimer's Association.