Arletha Drexel

Family will receive friends: Sunday, October 21, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus.

Funeral services:Monday, October 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus.

Interment: Valley View Cemetery.

Arletha Powell Drexel was born October 23, 1918 to Katie and Vernon Powell on a homestead on ranch Creek near Biddle the fifth of six children. The family moved into Broadus where her father partnered with another man in the flour mill he later opened a blacksmith shop and remained in Broadus throughout her school years.

Arletha graduated from Powder River High School in 1936 and went on to nursing school at Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls where she graduated in 1940. She returned to Broadus after graduation. She married Bud Drexel on Friday the 13th of September, 1940 wearing a black dress. That marriage lasted for 55 years. So much for superstition. They raised three daughters. In 1956 they moved to Kalispell and a year later to Missoula. She began her working career at Missoula Community Hospital where she worked until the family moved to California. She worked as the IV Therapist at Roseville Community Hospital where she retired after 20 years.

After retirement, they moved back to Missoula where they remained until returning to their roots in 1995. Bic loved to play cards and was an active member of the 500 club for many years. She was president of the Senior Citizens organization for several years. She was also active in Ladies Auxiliary and Broadus Homemakers. She loved flowers but hated dandelions. She would spend hours sitting in her front yard digging each individual dandelion out.

Arletha passed away on October 17, 2007 at Powder River Manor where she had been a resident for 3 years. She remained throughout her life the consummate nurse. In every situation she would go into her nursey mode and be ready with a comment or bit of advice whenever asked.

She is survived by three daughters: Janice (Duane) Baier of Broadus, Judy Drexel of Broadus and Janet Drexel (Roy Bone) of Wolf Creek, Montana. A sister, Gladys (Harold) Frank Orland, CA, four granddaughters Kelli Thomas, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, Taani (John)Follis. Tomball, TX, Heidi Baier (Jason Spanich) Oklahoma City, OK, andMauri Baier, Conroe, TX and a step granddaughter, Renae Baier, Conroe, TX; five great grandchildren, three step great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She

is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers and one sister.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.