Marlene Joyce (Kennell) Powell, 72, of Hamburg died Aug. 19, 2009, at Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg. Marlene Joyce Anderson was born on Oct. 11, 1936 in Atchison County, Mo., to Marian A. and Gertrude G. (Perry) Anderson. She grew up near Hamburg and graduated from Hamburg High School in 1954.
On April 21, 1956, Marlene married Donald Wayne Kennell and made their home in Nebraska City. Marlene worked as a telephone operator until the birth of their first child.
With Don active in the National Guard / Army Reserve, they relocated often until settling back at Marlene’s family farm near Hamburg after the death of her parents in 1970. They farmed and operated a farm machinery repair business where Marlene handled the bookkeeping.
She was preceded in death by her husband on March 14, 1983. Marlene continued to manage the farm and went back to work at a woman’s clothing store in Nebraska City to help keep her youngest daughter in college.
She married Glen Powell of Benkelman Oct. 11, 1989. They lived in Benkelman then Capitan, N.M. in 1991 following the move of a ranch operation where Glen was employed. In 1996 they moved back to Hamburg for four years and then returned to Benkelman upon Glen’ss retirement. He preceded her in death May 22, 2009.
Due to Marlene’s health, she moved back to her childhood home on the farm near Hamburg and resided with her oldest son, Robert, and his wife.
Marlene was a loving wife and devoted mother. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, active in the Atchison County 4-H Extension Club and supported her children in Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H and various activities as they went through school. She enjoyed baking, gardening, sewing and was an avid reader. She loved going to dances with Don while he was a member of the Western Spirits and K-Country bands and was proud of her children in passing on his love of music. She also enjoyed making baby quilts as gifts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sge is survived by children Peggy Sue Welchans and husband Kenny of Hamburg, Robert Kennell and wife Barbara of Hamburg, Larry Kennell and wife Lisa of Omaha, and Sherry Hartman and husband Mark of Apex, N.C.; step-sons Joe Powell of Cheyenne, Wyo., and John Powell and wife Judy of Ketchum, Okla.; step-daughter Sonja Thompson and husband Richard of McCook; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Memorial services were Aug. 25 at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City with Rev. Jeff Kelley of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment was in the Wyuka Cemetery at Nebrask City.
Memorials may be given to Hamburg Fire/Rescue.
To leave a condolence, please visit www.gudefuneralhomes.com.
Rash-Gude Funeral Home, Hamburg, was in charge of the arrangements.
