Rosemary Katherine Powell

Graveside Services for Rosemary Powell, former Clinton resident, will be held 10:00 AM Monday, November 13, 2023, in the Clinton Cemetery officiated by Dan Day and under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.

Rosemary Katherine Powell was born on October 29, 1924, to Sherman and Nellie Dehart in LeFlore, OK. She was called home on November 6, 2023 surrounded by those who loved her most in Yukon, OK at the amazing age of 99.

As a young girl Rosemary enjoyed playing basketball in school and riding horses. She also assisted her parents in running their grocery store in town. Upon graduating from high school Rosemary attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK before heading to Stillwater and Oklahoma A&M where she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1948.

While studying in Stillwater Rosemary didn’t just fall in love with Pistol Pete and The Cowboys, she met and fell for a handsome fellow by the name of Wayne Powell. She and Wayne were married on June 12, 1948, and moved to Chickasha, OK. They enjoyed their time in Chickasha and happily welcomed their son, Charles and daughter, Terri while there. In 1966 the family moved to Clinton, OK where Rosemary remained until moving to Spanish Cove in Yukon, OK in 2009.

Never one to sit around Rosemary was always so proud of the work she did outside the home. While residing in Chickasha she worked as Church Secretary for the Methodist Church and for the Oklahoma College for Women as the Secretary to the College President. After moving to Clinton Rosemary worked for Kellwood Corporation as the Executive Secretary to the Plant Manager until her retirement in 1986.

After retiring Wayne and Rosemary traveled as much as possible. They enjoyed taking cruises around the globe and going on bus trips with Village Travels. Some of their favorite trips were the cross-country road trips taken with their grandkids. They visited Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, and The House on the Rock in Wisconsin. Rosemary enjoyed crossword puzzles, counted cross stitch, and was a member of several bridge clubs around Clinton, and was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church. She loved to cook for her family when they visited, she was always ready to prepare your favorite dish if she knew you were coming. After moving to Spanish Cove Rosemary enjoyed spending her time making new friends and chatting over lunch. She joined new bridge clubs while living there and was often hard to reach because her social calendar was so full. She sang in the choir and took day trips with her friends. She loved it when her family visited, and she could show them off to her buddies. She was always most proud when her grandkids and great grandkids were around. She was known around The Cove for her bridge playing skills and for always wearing fantastic jackets.

Rosemary was an amazing seamstress! She was always creating dresses or outfits for her family, friends, and sometimes their toys (mostly her granddaughters’ dolls or Barbies). She was a notorious perfectionist and would work tirelessly until every stitch was perfect. She was most proud of being able to sew her daughter Terri’s wedding dress herself. From a practice dress made from a bed sheet to the final flowing gown, every stitch and bead was impeccable.

Always a lady, Rosemary never overstayed her welcome. She knew her time here on earth was done and left us with grace and love. She was always quick with a smile or hug and never once forgot to tell her family she loved them. She will be deeply missed by many for years to come, yet we know she is at peace celebrating the life we continue to live with the family she has missed so much while she was still here.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; Sherman and Nellie Dehart, her beloved husband Wayne and two sisters; Betty Brooks and Norma Walden.

She is survived by her children; son, Charles (Karen) Powell of Norman and daughter, Terri (Dan) Stake of Kingfisher. Her Grandchildren; Erin (Jon) Williford of Norman, Danielle Henry of Enid and Nicholas (Amanda) Stake of Edmond. Her sister Shirley (Sherman) Cox of Oklahoma City. Five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to a charity of your choice in Rosemary’s name. She was one of the most generous and giving ladies we would like to follow in her footsteps.