Patricia Powers

Patricia Isabell Powers was born November 14, 1939, the eighth child of the nine children of Robert Harold Powers and Pearl Powers. She was a strong one from the start, surviving, as a baby, two bouts with pneumonia in a world where not many drugs existed. She also was born with a lifelong heart murmur. She was fond of saying, “1939, an eventful year. In September, Hitler invaded Poland, and in November, I was born.”

She was very intelligent and was Valedictorian of her high school class and a member of the Honor Society. She graduated at age 17 with a strong desire to get out of UpStateNotTheCity New York. She decided to join the Air Force. Since she was only 17, her parents had to sign for her. She gave them the papers and said, “If you don’t want to sign these, that’s okay, I will sign them for you!” She did basic training in San Antonio, Texas and attended Accounting School in Wichita Falls, Texas. She might have stayed in the Air Force, but the only position offered if she reenlisted was her position at the time, which was in Montgomery, Alabama. So the Air Force lost an excellent Airman.

She returned home to UpStateNotTheCity New York. She wasn’t there very long before a letter arrived from an Air Force friend, Marlene Bancroft, inviting her to come out to Iowa for a visit. She did take the bus west, and in two weeks had a job at Iowa Power and Light Company. Her integrity, hard work, accuracy, and intelligence were recognized throughout the company. She was soon promoted to important positions, among them, administering workers’ compensation, employee insurance, and shareholder services. She was there 30 years, and they lost an excellent employee when she retired.

In her retirement, she enjoyed her house and garden, canning fruits and vegetables, traveling, long walks, and volunteering with the Polk County Master Gardeners.

Patricia passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Friday, August 18, 2023, at the age of 83. Left to mourn her death are her husband, Mark R. White; sister, Janet A. Jones; and nieces and nephews. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Pearl Powers.

Patricia would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice nurses, support staff, and especially Lindsy the Bath Aide for their kindness and support during her final days.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery after the service. There will be a luncheon following at Hamilton’s on Lyon Street. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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