Shirley Louise Powell
RENO - Shirley L. Powell passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024 in Reno, Nv at the age of 93. She was born on August 19, 1930 in McFadden Wyoming to Kathryn and Norman Nelson. Shirley graduated from Laramie High School and married the love of her life, Elvin Powell on 12/30/1948 in Saratoga Wyoming. Elvin’s career had Shirley and their two sons moving to several locations including Montana, Virginia and Arizona, where Elvin received his master’s degree in Communications. The Powell family moved to Sparks, NV in 1965 and Elvin began a career at the University of Nevada/Reno as Agriculture Communications Director. Shirley was an extraordinary homemaker and mother and during this timeframe she was an active member of the University Wives Club and Gourmet Club connected to the Faculty Wives Club. She excelled in quilting and made beautiful quilts donated for fundraisers to benefit many organizations including the University Library. Shirley tragically lost her beloved husband to leukemia in 1979. Her extraordinarily strong character led to the next chapter of her life.
Shirley used her excellent cooking and baking skills, along with a strong entrepreneurial spirit to start her own catering business. She was renowned for her beautiful wedding and specialty cakes. She also belonged to several organizations where she delighted her fellow members with her wonderful food, baked goods and candy making skills. Shirley was an active member of the Adah Chapter #4 Eastern Star as well as legacy member of the Daughters of the Nile (supporting children in Shriners’ Hospitals). Shirley’s mother Kathryn was a charter member of Daughters of the Nile in Rawlins, Wyoming and Shirley’s father was a Shriner. Within Daughters of the Nile Shirley belonged to the Patrol Unit, participating in precision drill performances and traveling with the Patrol to various Supreme Sessions of the organization. Shirley also belonged to the Laureate Alpha Beta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and P.E.O. organization. Shirley had a great love of travel and took full advantage later in life. Among her many travel experiences, some of her most memorable trips took her to Australia and China as well as many European destinations including Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Kathryn and Norman, brother Ted and sister Norma and beloved husband Elvin. She is survived by sons Gene Powell (Judy) and Tracy Powell (Nancy) of Reno and granddaughter Sandy Wilder of Muskegon, Mi.
A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held on May 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic Washoe Lodge #35, 601 W. Peckham Ln, Reno NV 89509. In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested donations be made in memory of Shirley L. and Elvin A. Powell to the Shrine Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah or to the P.E.O. Foundation. Shrine donations may also be sent locally in her name to: Ammon-Ra Temple #56 c/o Kathy Gritton at 16340 Enargite Cir, Reno NV 89521.