Charlotte Alice Terry Powell
RONAN — Charlotte Alice Terry Powell, “Grandmommy,” went to heaven to be with her husband and two of her daughters on April 15, 2012. Grandmommy died of natural causes at the age of 97 in Ronan. She lived a very full and blessed life.
Grandmommy was born in Missoula on March 3, 1915 to Leon and Ethel Terry. Her mother was her only teacher in one-room school-houses through the eighth grade. She then graduated valedictorian from Ronan High School in 1932. Grandmommy married Arthur Powell on Sept. 22, 1934. Although they were both grew up as only children, Charlotte and Arthur went on to have five daughters, seventeen grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren and eight great-great- grandchildren.
Over the years Grandmommy put her love into making handmade clothes for her children, raggedy-Ann and -Andy dolls for her grandchildren, and beautiful hand-made pillows for ring bearers at family weddings. Grandmommy always made her home welcoming and inviting, keeping the candy jar full of treats for her grandchildren. We all have very fond memories of Christmases at Grandmommy and Granddaddy’s. A favorite pastime of Grandmommy and Granddaddy’s was spending time at garage sales looking for antiques. She loved history, especially family history, and collected many antiques through the years. Grandmommy was very sharp as she new the stories behind all of the collectibles. Her family was amazed, even in her later years; how she could recall names, dates, stories and practically anything else you might inquire about. Grandmommy was involved in her community. She was a charter member of the North Crow Women’s Club, a past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, and served as mother advisor for Rainbow Girls. She loved music and was a long time organist for the Methodist Church and also served as secretary for the Methodist Sunday School. Her husband, Thomas Arthur Powell, and her daughters, Linda Decker of Ronan, and Thora Ann (McConnell) Larson of Polson, precede Charlotte in death.
Charlotte is survived by her daughters Terry Reusser (Al) of Kirkland, Wash., Judy Looper (Ray) of Spokane, Wash., Laurie Franklin (Mike) of Ronan, and son-in-law Gale Decker of Ronan, along with her many, many grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Camp Mak-A-Dream through its website, campdream.org, or the local Ken Sagmiller Memorial fund at Community Bank in Ronan.
