Sarah Bess "Sally" Powell

Sarah Bess Hothan Powell, 84, Topeka, passed away Monday, October 19, 2015. Sarah Bess, known as Sally, was born to Fred Charles and Ruby Mings Hothan on December 27, 1930, on a farm in Scranton, Kansas. She had an older brother, Ted, whom she adored. Her mother died when she was 13 and they moved to Topeka when she entered Highland Park High School, where she met the love of her life, George Powell. They were married on April 24, 1949, and five children were born to their union. They celebrated 66 years together this past April. They built their home together on what was then the west edge of Topeka and raised their family there. After graduating from high school, Sally worked for the Kansas State Highway Department. She invested most of her life in loving and training her children, but later worked at the State Department of Revenue and then was the secretary for Crestview United Methodist Church for 18 years. George and Sally have been members of Crestview since 1954. Sally is survived by her devoted husband, George, and her five children along with their spouses: Kathy and Greg Andler, Jeff and Tammy Powell, Keith and Dianne Powell, Mike and Karon Powell, and Ruby and Rod Bunde. Her grandchildren are Ryan and Jessica Devlin with their children Wren and Wilder; Heather Steinkamp with her daughter Jordan Devlin; Trent and Kay Andler with their daughter Raegan; Jesse and Liz Kutina; Josh and Ruth Powell with their daughters Halleigh and Hayden; Jaymie and Casey Moore with their daughter Clara; Jenna and Jonathan Runyan with their children Emma, Thomas and Luke; Joy and Billy Davenport with their sons Liam, Colton and Marshall; Jeriel and Keith Fine with their daughter Charley; Joanna and Josh Powell; Abby Powell; Faith and Dawsyn Birtell; Caleb Powell; Jesse and Sara Powell with their children Jack and Maggie; Jennifer and Adam Tuck with their children Aidan, Averi and Ella; Melissa Powell; Sarah Powell; Ridge and Brandy Bunde with their son Kiyzer; Rebekah Bunde; Riley and Ashlyn Bunde; Reid Bunde. Sally and George enjoyed square dancing with the Swinging Squares and camping with the Wagoneers. She and George also enjoyed some memorable trips to both Alaska and New England. She was a wonderful cook and gardener, but her passion was her family. When her children were young, all of the neighborhood kids played at the Powell’s. Sally welcomed them even though it meant no grass could grow in her yard and her fresh wash on the clothesline might end up spotted with mudballs. Sally has been characterized by many who knew her as one of the sweetest, most loving people they have ever known. Each of her grandkids felt like they were the most important person in the world; her selfless, giving example challenges each of us to think of others first and to desire to leave a heritage like hers. A Celebration of Sarah’s Life will be held Friday, October 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Drive. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Drive, Topeka KS 66614.

Sarah Bess "Sally" Powell

December 27, 1930 - October 19, 2015