Dolores Ann (Swearingen) Powell Obituary (1944

Dolores Ann (Swearingen) Powell, 78, of Orem, Utah, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. “Dee” was born on October 18, 1944, in Winchester, Ohio to Earle and Mildred Swearingen. She grew up on her father’s tobacco farm along with her siblings Rheta, Ron, Linda, Faye, and John. After graduating from Winchester High School in 1962, she had the unique opportunity to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a records clerk at the Washington D.C. headquarters. During that time Dee met Boyd Powell. The two were married February 1, 1964, and together raised nine children, Nathan (Kestin), Patrick (Crystal), Tobin, Zachary, Joshua, Sabra, Jared (Kara), Amanda (Brent Long), and Nikole in Valentine, Nebraska. Although she knew her primary purpose in life was motherhood, she also cared for many in the communities in which she lived as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and emergency medical technician (EMT). She worked many years at the Pine View Good Samaritan nursing home and Cherry County hospital in Valentine. After moving to Utah in 2000, she continued her CNA work at Country View Manor nursing home located in Provo, while working towards an Associate’s degree at LDS Business College. Dee was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving for many years in musical callings, often as the pianist. She was an avid journal keeper and storyteller. Dee dedicated much of her time to family history and genealogy. She collected hundreds of documents, newspaper clippings, cards, and photos that she has now passed on to the next generation to carry on the work. Upon retirement, Dee was able to more fully enjoy her hobbies, which included working on puzzles and word finds, tending to her plants, baking (traditional Christmas candies), reading, listening to the radio, watching her favorite TV shows (Golden Girls and NCIS), and playing board games with her family. Dee lived a quiet, simple, and content life. She will always be remembered for her good nature, sweet disposition, and light-hearted sense of humor. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, and they will miss her dearly. Dee was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brother, John, and her son, Tobin. She is survived by her 8 remaining children, 16 grandchildren, soon to be 16 great grandchildren, her 4 remaining siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. A private viewing will be held at the Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home in West Union, Ohio at 12:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 13, 2023. Interment will follow directly after at the Cherry Fork Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com or sent in care of Dee’s daughter, Sabra Powell.