Clara Ann Powers

A funeral service for Clara Ann Powers, 80, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the Wheatland High School Auditorium in Wheatland, Wyoming with Pastor Casey Schroeder of First Christian Church officiating. Interment will be in the Wheatland Cemetery, followed by a remembrance at the First Christian Church, 95 Nineteenth Street, Wheatland.

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, Mrs. Clara Ann Powers passed away peacefully in her home on the Laramie River, west of Wheatland, surrounded by her family.

Clara Powers was born on Tuesday, March 30, 1943, in Wheatland, the daughter of Philip Eldon and Francel Louberta (Irvine) Rietz. She graduated from Wheatland High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree in education. She was a life-long educator who touched countless lives across the state of Wyoming in the process. She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. She served as committeewoman of the Wyoming State Republican Committee and was involved in state and local politics for decades. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a Guardian in Job’s Daughters. She was a true believer in God and Christ and was a devoted member of the Church at Jay Em and the First Christian Church of Wheatland where she played the organ and piano for the congregation. She was also a true steward of the land on the family’s Centennial Ranch where she lived her entire life and cherished home, family, and neighbors. Affectionately known as “Nana” by her grandchildren, she taught the value of hard work and the gift of love. Nana was/is the cornerstone of her family who would do anything or travel anywhere to spend precious moments and unconditional love with those she touched. She adored animals and rode horseback with her family trailing cattle. As the family’s historian she imparted a generational vision that will carry on for all of us. She was active in 4-H her entire life helping everyone learn how to treat and train their livestock and the dedication it takes to do so. She was a great cook who loved to cater large gatherings for the entire community.

Clara is preceded by her brother, Clayton on September 21, 2010, and her parents, Phil on August 26, 1991, and Francel Rietz on August 2, 2005.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Mr. Kerry Powers, as well as her daughter, Sally (Tony) Nichols; three sons, Charlie (Kathy) Powers, Harvey (Linda) Powers, and Quincy Powers; seven grandchildren, Collin Powers, Kerry T. Powers, Katie (Will) DeToma, Rachel (Jordan) Hershbine, Lily Nichols, Tate Nichols, and Griff Nichols; and four great grandchildren, Kaleigh DeToma, William DeToma, Noah DeToma, and Mason DeToma. She will be loved and cherished as her soul rests for eternity in the hands of her Lord and Savior.

The Gorman Funeral Homes - Platte Chapel of Wheatland is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.

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