Nancy Powell

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     Nancy Lee (Grap) Powell, 88, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026. She was born on July 3, 1937, to Charles and Viola (McHenry) Grap on the family farm near Persia, Iowa. Nancy grew up on that farm with her brothers and sisters. She graduated from Persia High School in 1956 where she made history as the first girl to take shop class. After graduation, she worked at a Credit Bureau in Council Bluffs before meeting the love of her life, Richard Powell, at Danceland between Missouri Valley and Beebeetown – and as fate would have it, they eventually lived and farmed across the road from that very dance hall. Nancy and Richard married on November 16, 1958, and what followed was a 47-year love story built on devotion, hard work and unwavering commitment. When Richard battled cancer for 16 years, Nancy stood by his side as his devoted caregiver until his passing in 2005.

     A fiercely loving and loyal wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy's world revolved around her family. She found joy in attending her grandchildren's recitals, sporting events and milestone moments and her home was always filled with warmth and welcome. Nancy was baptized and confirmed at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Persia and remained an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley throughout her life. She shared her beautiful voice singing with her sisters Mary and Char Les and in the church choir. Nancy and Richard served on the committee to build the church addition, and she created countless banners that still hang in the church today.

     Her hands were never idle and could work magic with her sewing, quilting, embroidery, ceramics, woodworking and cooking. She poured her heart into every stitch, every cut, every creation—and you could feel the love in everything she made. When she wasn't creating something beautiful with her hands or caring for those she loved, Nancy was living life to the fullest. She loved to work in her yard, flower beds, and garden. Pitch was a favorite game played at family gatherings, and she looked forward to her weekly “match” with her tennis girls. Nancy never turned down a chance to go dancing with Richard – they were the envy of the dance floor. On fishing trips to Canada, she always—and we mean always—caught the biggest fish. She loved birds, hunting, and pretty much any excuse to be outdoors or with the people she loved. Nancy was a proud Democrat and she had strong opinions she wasn't afraid to share.

     Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband; parents; infant son, Andrew Allen; and siblings, Lynn (Leeta) Grap, Donavon (Carmella) Grap, Jervaise (Herb) Bintz, Norman Grap and Alron (Venita) Grap. She leaves behind her sisters, Mary Beaman and Char Les (Ken) Kemmish; children, Matthew (Sheila) Powell, Lisa Powell, Brenda (Bud) Dooley and Leslie (Jon) Collins; grandchildren, Chad (Whitney) Powell, Chelsea Powell, Carlee (Billy) Hoss, Ryan (Dana) Baber, Rachael (Peter) Rea, Dain (Breanna) Hember, Whitney (Gabe) Reisz, Lexie (Ross) Johnson, Hannah (Tom) Rief and Carsen Collins; great-grandchildren, Levon, Greta, Grayson, Liam, Levi, Kayden, Kolby, Kyler, John, Kendall, Addison, Eleanor, Wrenlee and Baby Reisz (arriving soon); nieces and nephews; and countless friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and generosity.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MISSOURI VALLEY.