Jolene Ryals Powell

Jolene Ryals Powell, 86, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville, MO, on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

Jolene (Bowen) was born in Kirksville, MO, on April 3, 1930, the daughter of Lew C. and Mabel M. (Casady) Bowen. She was reared by her mother and dad, Lennis D. Scott, Sr. Jolene graduated from Unionville High School. She married Glen Truman Ryals on June 6, 1949, and he passed away on October 23, 1970. Jolene was a stay-at-home mom prior to Truman’s passing. She had taught in rural schools in Putnam County and served on the Putnam County School Board. Jolene finished her college degree after Truman passed, earning a Bachelor and Master’s degree from Northeast Missouri State University (Truman University). She began teaching in the Putnam County School District where she taught various early elementary age classes. Jolene married Virgil Powell on July 7, 1979, and he passed away January 1, 2013.

Jolene enjoyed sewing for her family and friends. She also liked to attend auctions and yard sales. She and Truman liked to play cards and then she enjoyed traveling with Virgil. She and Virgil also square danced together. Jolene felt blessed with her special family and two loving husbands. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a member at First Christian Church in Unionville.

Jolene is survived by her children, John Allen (Billie) Ryals of Unionville, MO; Jim (Nancy) Ryals of Lincoln, NE; and Jay Dirk (Karen) Ryals of Pella, IA, Ron (Kay) Powell of Boone, IA; Sharon (Mike) Probasco of Kirksville, MO; Jack (Monica) Carter of Arkansas; and Leisa (Robert, Jr.) Ray of Unionville, MO. Also surviving are grandchildren Brandi Fowler, Dason Ryals, John Truman Ryals, Amy Herrington, Brooke Ryals, Jeffrey Ryals, Jessica Ryals, Stacey Patterson, Angie Higdon, Bryan Powell, Kyle Powell, Shon Probasco, Aaron Carter, Sarah Robb, Megan Summers, Kayla Blaser, Kelsey Ray, Kolby Ray, and Destany Schnyer, 28 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild also survive as well as two brothers, L. Dale (Liz) Scott of Las Vegas, NV, and Randy (Susan) Scott, of Sarasota, FL.

In addition to Truman and Virgil, Jolene was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery T. Ryals, a daughter, Shirley Carter, and a grandson, Ruston Carter.

Funeral services for Jolene Ryals Powell will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 2:30 Sunday, March 19, 2017. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Unionville Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.