GREENWOOD, IN
Dorella Frances Logan Powell, 70, Greenwood, passed away at her home on Friday, September 22, 2017.
Mrs. Powell was born in Norman, Oklahoma, the daughter of James and Dorella Logan on January 3, 1947. Both of her parents are deceased.
Dorella is survived by her husband, Stephen E., and three grown children: Stephen J. Powell (Courtney) of Austin, Texas; Robert L. Powell, MD, (Holly) of Longmont, Colorado; and Dorella M. Caras (Matthew) of Greenwood, Indiana. She has six grandchildren: Alex, Gabe and Sutton Powell (Steve and Courtney); AJ and Victor Powell (Bob and Holly); and her pride and joy, Dorella (Ella) Caras (Dori and Matt).
Also surviving is her younger brother, James, who lives in Maine, with his wife, Maria, and their three grown children: Toby, Caulin and Clara. Others surviving are her sister-in-law, Phyllis Powell of Indianapolis, and her brother-in-law, Lewis Powell of Indianapolis, and his wife, Marsha.
Dorella was preceded in death by an older brother, Robert.
All members of Dorella’s immediate family are graduates of the University of Oklahoma (OU): Boomer Sooner!
Mrs. Powell is the third in five generations of proud women named Dorella. Her Grandmother was Dorella Kinnebrew. Her Mother was Dorella Logan. Her daughter is Dorella (Dori) Caras and her granddaughter is Dorella (Ella) Caras.
Mrs. Powell is a member of the Chickasaw Indian Nation, her blood line tracing back to her Grandmother who grew up in the Oklahoma Territory before it became a state.
Dorella graduated with honors at the top of her class from Norman High School in 1965. She competed on the chemistry, geometry and math academic teams in high school.
She graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Languages. The degree was awarded “with distinction.” At OU, she majored in Latin and minored in mathematics. She was a member of Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa Society and was a “University Scholar.”
She was the recipient of the OU Letzseiser “Bronze Medal” for Women on the basis of outstanding scholarship. Mrs. Powell was listed in the “Who’s Who of College Students.”
Mrs. Powell earned a Master of Arts degree in Classical Languages at Indiana University (IU) in 1970. She also served at IU as a teaching assistant in Latin.
Mrs. Powell was a legacy member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority at OU as was her mother. Her daughter, Dori, was a Theta at Purdue University.
Dorella was a member of Southland Community Church, Greenwood, Indiana. She was baptized and confirmed at the McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman, Oklahoma.
She was a longtime member and past president of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AQ, Greenwood, Indiana. Her mother was P.E.O. state president in Oklahoma.
She served as Vice Chair of her precinct in White River Township, Greenwood.
Mrs. Powell did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, P.E.O. Sisterhood, the World Police and Fire Games, the World Basketball Games, the American Heart Association and other nonprofit organizations.
She married Steve Powell in Indianapolis in 1974 while she was working as a middle school mathematics teacher in the Perry Township School Corporation. She continued teaching until their first child was born at which time she retired from teaching. Later, she substitute taught in the Center Grove Community School Corporation.
She was honored by being named a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Greenwood.
Most all sports were a passion of Dorella’s, especially OU, IU, the Colts, the Cubs and the Pacers.
She was musically talented, especially at the piano. Her favorite pop singer was Elton John.
Mrs. Powell was diagnosed in later years with a rare neurological disease, Corticobasal Degeneration, which challenged her physically on a daily basis. Despite the terrible pain and suffering the disease brought, she adhered to Jim Valvano’s motto of “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”
Dorella was the center of her family throughout her married life. She dedicated her life to helping her husband and children. She provided unparalleled support to her family during both joyous and difficult times. A selfless and caring woman, Dorella is sorely missed by friends and family.
Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, at the Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, 481 West Main Street, Greenwood, Indiana. A funeral service will be held following visitation at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Dorella will be buried in Norman, Oklahoma, at the IOOF Cemetery in a private internment service on Friday, September 29, at 2:00 pm.
Those wishing to make contributions may do so to the PEO Sisterhood, payable “PEO Sisterhood, Chapter AQ,” c/o of Jane Horenkamp, 3688 Fountain View Drive, Greenwood, IN 46143.
You are invited to read Dorella’s obituary at www.wilsonstpierre.com, where you may sign the online register book or leave a condolence for the family.
