Ireta A. “Reta” Powell, 88, of Baker City, died March 2, 2005, with her family at her side.
Her graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Hope Cemetery.
She was born at Preston, Idaho, to George Ames and Ava Inez Ransom on Oct. 17, 1916. She received her education at Preston and Grace, Idaho. She loved summers as a child when her mother and siblings would join their father camping in the mountains. She talked often of her escapades.
Reta married Harold M. Powell on Feb. 3, 1941, at Kenmore, Wyo. They lived most of their married life in Idaho and Oregon. They had three children, Geraldine, Gary and Diana. As a family, they enjoyed many camping and fishing adventures.
Reta was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. In her younger years, she could whip up a beautiful family dinner at the drop of a hat. As her children married, they returned often and enjoyed Mom’s fried chicken and many games of pinochle.
She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, canning and gardening. Her years working at Levinger’s Drug Store were fond in her heart. She was a member of the Degree of Honor Lodge and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Her husband died in 1982 and she lived on her own until 2003.
Survivors include her children, Geraldine “Gerri” Smith of Portland, Gary and Jackie Powell of Hermiston, and Diana and Bruce Burningham of Baker City; her sister, Elaine Nate of Montpelier, Idaho; brother, Charles Ransom, and his wife, Susan, of Turkey; grandchildren, Brent Smith, Bryan Smith, John and Ronda Powell, Greg and Brenda Goodyear, Andrew Anderson, Todd and Jolynne Welter, Becky and Joe Lazdauskas and Sheila and Joel Baker; 11 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister, Norma Moser; and brothers, Loren Ransom and Gerald Ransom.
Memorial contributions may be made to Guardian Hospice through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, March 4, 2005
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
