Catherine Powell, 101, of Great Falls passed away on September 22, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangments. At her request, no services will be held.
She was born August 17, 1921, in Maxton, N.C. to Tom and Mary Speros. She attended local schools and graduated from WC UNC in Greensboro, N.C. studying music and later business. Before her marriage to Homer “Bud” Powell on December 22, 1950, she was employed by the Selective Services System, W.C. Shepherd Co. in Georgia and Florida, and with the U.S. Army Engineers in the Azores. After her marriage, Catherine was a loan officer at Eastside Bank of Montana and a realtor at Perry and Flora Reality in Roanoke, Va. Both Mom and Dad retired in 1985 in Roanoke where Bud was with the U.S. Forest Service. They transferred to Roanoke after Bud’s previous assignments over the years as a ranger in Plains, MT, Condon, MT, Polebridge, MT, Curlew, WA, Bonners Ferry, ID, and Great Falls where he was assistant supervisor of the Lewis & Clark National Forest. They purchased a home in Myrtle Beach, SC which they leased out and one in Great Falls in 1989. Over the years they enjoyed golf, bridge, square dancing, volunteering at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, tax preparation with AARP, Vita, Montana Tax Help, and the Scottish Rite Language Center, Trails and Rails on Amtrac between Shelby and Minot ND and yearly golf tournaments in Jekyll Island, GA.
After 55 years of marriage, Bud passed away on May 16, 2006 , but Mom still participated in all of the volunteer services except for the Amtrac run. Catherine is survived by her two sons, Jim and David; granddaughter, Morgan and her husband Cameron; several nieces and nephews in SC, NC, and GA; and Sharon Tuck who was a special friend (doing taxes together) and always kept in touch throughout the years, always remembered her birthdays, and made them special. Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Helen; brothers, Chris, Gus, Louis, and Tom Jr.; and nephews, Johnny, Kit, and Steve. Memorials can be sent to Scottish Rite Language Center, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Peace Hospice, or doner’s choice.
