Stella Lee Powell

Funeral Mass for Stella Powell, 81, of Ekalaka will take place 10:00 am Thursday, April 9, 2026 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Ekalaka with Fr. Baskar Raj celebrating. Graveside service to follow at Beaver Lodge Cemetery.

Stella passed away on April 2, 2026 at Dahl Memorial Hospital in Ekalaka.

Stella Powell, was born Stella Reed on January 21, 1945 in Los Angeles, California. She met Bud Powell, a sailor stationed in San Diego in 1962. They married and began their life of adventure, traveling wherever the Navy sent them. In 1964 their first daughter, Angela was born, soon followed by their first son Edward. After moving to Alaska for a season, Allison joined the family in 1966. Once back in the continental US, Chris arrived a little later to the family in 1977. After many years of service, they retired from the Navy in 1988, moving to New Jersey for a short time before finally coming home to Ekalaka. Where they weaved themselves into the hearts of everyone they met.

During their travels, Stella worked tirelessly to help support her growing family. She has worked in a cannery in Alaska, and spent years working at a textile mill and running a day care in California. Ultimately, she found her most fulfilling role working in the lunch room at Carter County High School, where her quick wit and playful sarcastic banter endeared her to staff and student alike.

The high school was a fitting stage for Stella, as she was a lifelong learner. She loved reading and doing Crossword Puzzles to keep her mind sharp. She went back to school while in New Jersey to attain her associates-degree in Behavioral Science. She loved learning new things, being well versed in several topics. While being interested in many areas of education, she found particular joy in learning history.

Today is a day of sadness for the loss of a beautiful person, but Stella would rather we focus on the joy of her life and the memories she has been a part of for each of us. Please take a moment to remember how she impacted your life, and share that story with someone else.