Barbara Jane Powell

Barbara Jane Powell

Barbara Jane (Strang) Powell, age 93, of Weidman (formerly of Mt. Pleasant and Lansing) journeyed into afterlife on February 28, 2017 surrounded by her family. Born in Kalamazoo, MI on October 12, 1923, the third of four daughters to Thurlo Rider and Frances Vivian (Willis) Strang. The family moved several times throughout her childhood, living in Kalamazoo, Niles, Ypsilanti, Dowagiac and finally settling in Benzonia, MI. This allowed her to attend four years and graduate from Benzonia High School.

With the advent of WWII, she moved to Niles, MI where she worked in the Simplicity factory making paper clothing patterns. While in Niles she met the love of her life, George Edward "Ed" Powell. They married in 1946 after Ed's service in the US Army and the war ended. Blessed with five children, four remain to mourn her passing: Doriann Rushcamp of Lansing, Dirk (Teresa) Powell of Highland, Dave (Tina) Powell of Weidman and Darcey Jo Powell of Weidman. Also surviving are 12 granchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Barb was a proud and accomplished homemaker. She loved interior decorating and taught herself how to wallpaper, paint and stain woodwork , sewing and upholstering. She also loved nature and gardening, priding herself on the quality of her lawn and flowers and the variety of birds attracted to the many feeders she tended.

Her one claim in fame that she cherished was her Strang family connection to King Strang of Beaver Island. She would try to work this bit of information into the general conversation when she needed some "gueenly" admiration.

Barb devoted much of her life to caregiving as she raised her daughter Darcey born with Down Syndrome and her husband who was disabled with early onset dementia. Her family is grateful for all that she sacrificed.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband Ed, daughter Deborah Jane (Powell) Searles, her mother and father, son-in-law, William Rushcamp, three sisters, Elaine (Strang) Hulett, Betty (Strang) Keller and Gloria (Strang) Dugan. Also, brother-in-laws, Harry Keller, E.H. Hulett, John Dugan, and nephews Kent Keller, Terry Hulett and Dennis Hulett.

A special thanks to Heartland Hospice and Maier Family Funeral Homes for the support and kindness given to Barb and her family.

No service is planned at Barb's request. Remains will be interred at a later date in the Benzonia Township Cemetery to rest with her parents, husband and daughter. May she Rest in Peace.

The family has entrusted arrangements to Maier Family Funeral Homes, Weidman 989-644-5000. www.maierfuneralhome.com