Ruth Permenter Powell

OTTAWA – Mrs. Ruth Permenter Powell, age 80, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2012 at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home with the Reverend Jane Esterline officiating. Entombment will follow at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Mrs. Powell was born September 9, 1931 in Cooksville Mississippi, a daughter of James Beri and Bessie Beatrice (Chambers) Permenter. She married William Austin Powell October 28, 1955 in Macon, Mississippi. He preceded her in death August 23, 2010. She is survived by two sons, William Richard “Rick” (Kellie) Powell of Ottawa and James “Kerry” Powell of Brandon, MS. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Brandon, Courtney, Ian, Kayli and Danielle and two great grandchildren, Elton and Vinnie. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Helen Fancher, and her brother, James Beri Permenter, Jr.

Mrs. Powell loved children, music and flowers and she touched all whom she encountered with her gentle spirit and southern charm. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Ottawa Women’s Club. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa.