Lois W. Powell, 84, passed away on Sept. 4, 2015 at Powder River Manor, Broadus, MT, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her immediate family. Lois was born on Dec. 12, 1950 in Broadus, MT to William Bly Bartholomew and Evelyn Bartholomew. She grew up on Butte Creek on the family ranch. She graduated from Powder River County High School; class of 1949. Lois married Wesley Powell of Biddle, MT on Sept. 16, 1949, and they resided on the Powell family ranch near Biddle on Ranch Creek. To this marriage, two sons were born; Stanley and Terry.
Lois and her husband, Wesley, were active 4-H leaders in the community. They enjoyed helping the youth of the area in many activities, but especially so in the area of Beef Production. It was the highlight of the fair for them to assist the youth in the Powder River Fair with the Beef Show and Showmanship. They rarely missed the county fair and also attended other county fairs as well. Even after they were not active 4-H leaders they would help local youth prepare their Beef animals for the fair. In 2005 they had the Powder River County Fair Book dedicated to them due to their many years of involvement with the 4-H program.
Lois and her husband enjoyed traveling and attending square dances all over the area. She could dress to the “nines” and kick up her heels with the best of them. She and Wes called square dances many times. Lois even taught square dancing to the children at the Biddle School.
Early in the 90’s, Lois organized and directed rural theater events (plays) to help raise funds for the then new Biddle Community Heritage Center. In addition to organizing, scheduling and directing plays, she also kept the cast fed. These plays traveled to outlying communities to perform, thus expanding the funds raised for the Biddle Community. She also directed a play for the All Class Reunion Celebration in 1996. In addition to directing she wrote some scripts for children’s plays that were performed at the Biddle School. Many said acting and directing probably was her “true calling in life.”
She served on the local election board for over 60 years and only retired due to declining health.
As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother she worked tirelessly to make family life as perfect as possible. She spent much time working side by side with Wes making sure the ranch prospered as well. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life. She truly adored them all and spent as much time as possible with them.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, William Bly and Evelyn Bartholomew; three sisters, Thelma Ballensky, Yvetta McIntosh, and Ethel Claire ‘Teddy’ Saunders; one brother, Charles Vernon Bartholomew and her husband Wesley Powell. She is survived by one brother, Don Bartholomew; her two sons, Stanley (Bonnie) Powell of Biddle and Terry (Rose) Powell of Biddle; four grandchildren: Bradley Powell, Jillian (Kyle) Dahlgren, Ryan Powell, and step grandchild, Riley Veis. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren.
The family of Lois would like to thank the staff of Powder River Manor for their loving care and Stevenson’s Funeral Home for their assistance. A private family graveside service will be held Sept. 11, 2015, in Miles City, MT. Memorials may be made to the Powder River Manor or the charity or organization of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Karen Gunther says
Prayers go to Lois’s sons and their family. this is a hard time , but know that you have many memories to remember.
Pat Franklin says
Thinking of the Powell family at this time, sorry for your loss.
Ed and Bev Schaffer says
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. May God give you peace and comfort.
Sally Borla says
LOIS WAS A NICE AND VERY KIND LADY–I WILL MISS SEEING HER AT THE MANOR BUT KNOW SHE IS AT PEACE NOW. MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO ALL OF HER FAMILY AND KNOW THAT YOU WILL CHERISH YOUR MEMORIES. GOD BLESS
Ted & Cathy Elgin says
We will always remember and appreciate all the help Lois & Wesley gave our kids in 4-H and otherwise. Our sincere sympathy to all the family. We are thinking of you.
Kathy and Jim Bowers says
So sorry to hear about Lois, she was always so nice and helpful. I appreciated all her help getting old fashioned clothes together for After Grad pictures. Peace be with her and our sympathy goes out to all the family.
Carl & Pat Phillipspcphillips@rangewe.net says
May Lois rest in piece.
Prayers to the rest of the family, keep the cherished memories in your heart.
There were many good times with Wes and Lois.
Deb Bartholomew says
Terry, Stanley and Families:
So sorry to hear about your Mom Lois. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Lois will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as it will help get your family through hard times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carmen Knutson says
I feel so blessed to have gotten to know this great lady! She was SO very special. Hugs to all of you, thoughts and prayers are with you as you say good bye.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
OUr deepest sympathy to all the Powel family. Lois was a treasure and she will be missed, but alas it must have been a grand reunion with her beloved Wes. We continue to keep all of you in our prayers. A special hug to Jillian as well.
Pam & Dave Nisley says
Praying for all of you in this time of loss~ we care
Betty Jean Randall Clarizio says
Terry, Stanley and family
Lois and I spent a lot of time together when we were young. She stayed with us in Miles City for a while to go to school and I spent the summers on the ranch until we moved to Vancouver. I was on the horse with her riding bareback bringing in the cows at the Bartholomew ranch when the horse made a quick turn and we both fell off and she broke her arm. Lois used to say we were like sisters, she was only 2 years older. Lots of good memories also; always remember the good memories. My prayers are with you.. Jean
Ella Mae and Allen Drane. says
So sorry to hear about your Mom,she will be missed,she is pain free and square dancing once again,long live the favorite memories.
Chester and Pam Bruce says
Sorry to her about your mother. We will always have fond memories of her.
Rhonda Traub says
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, she was a beautiful lady! I remember her especially when I was in 4-H.
Tom & Judy Collins says
Terry, Stanley & families,
We were very sorry to hear about Lois. It is always hard to lose a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Kathryn Randall Mckee says
Stanley, Terry and family,
I was so sorry and sadden by loss of Aunt Lois. The many times my family took our summer trips to Montana were always so much fun and made for wonderful memories. The last time I saw Lois was just before Wesley passed away. My daughter Michelle, brother Ron and i spent the night with them. We went through family pictures and shared stories and good memories. My daughter couldn’t get over how much she looked like her Grandma Thelma especially through the eyes. My throughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the Powell family at this difficult time. The Broadus community suffered yet, another significant loss the day Lois passed away. She is now enjoying a joyous reunion with all of the other Broadus angels who have gone before her. May God Bless and comfort all of you during this difficult time.
Pat and Neal Sanburn says
Thoughts and prayers are with you all today. Lois will be missed by everyone who knew her. Hope you all are doing okay.
Serena & Wayne Wetherelt Jr. says
Stanley, Terry and Families
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Powell family during this difficult time. Lois was instrumental in getting me to participate in the plays that were presented in Broadus and I did more than one play with her as the director. She had such a love for presenting these plays to the community and I so enjoyed getting to know her and Wesley. Always striving for perfection and she always gave me constructive criticism and kind words when the task was completed and completed well. Please cherish your memories of this fine lady and know that she will be missed.
Dave an d Donna says
Thinking about Lois and all the many plays she did for our community . Praying for each of you.
Gary & Dotti Bartholomew says
Stanley, Terry and Families
Our deepest sympathy to all of you for the loss of your dear Mom. May you find peace in your hearts knowing your Mom is free of pain. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Carey, Dixie & Colby says
Stan, Terry & families
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jim Goodwin says
Thoughts and prayers go out to Lois’ family. What a wonderful lady she was. Together again with her beloved Wesley.
Jim, Karen, Larry, Sharon
Elsa, Francis Hayes says
Sorry about your loss. Friends & neighbors for so many years.