Barbara Henderson Powers

Our beloved Barbara Henderson Powers passed peacefully, surrounded by a gathering of loved ones on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at her home in Kennewick. Born Nov. 4, 1929, in Amherst, Neb., the eldest child of Elmer and Gwendolyn Axtell, Barbara spent her childhood on the family farms in Amherst and nearby Miller, Neb. Her earliest memories were riding horseback with her father, whom she adored and loved his humorous teasing. Barbara learned her hard work ethic from her mother, a school teacher and excellent cook. Prior to her senior year, the family migrated to Weippe, where she graduated high school in 1947.

She attended North Idaho College of Education in Lewiston, where she met and married Joel (LeRoy) Henderson of Nezperce on Sept. 3, 1950. Barbara and LeRoy got an early start on their family, producing four children in four years. After Barbara gave birth to her youngest child at Tri-State Memorial Hospital in Clarkston in 1955, she contracted polio when Scott was one day old. She was admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital in Lewiston, where she was a patient for three months. Through sheer determination and strong will, Barbara was fully rehabilitated and was able to live an active life for most of her years.

She was an integral part of the family farm and cattle ranch operation with LeRoy for 35 years on the Camas Prairie. In addition to being a dutiful wife and mother, Barbara ran a very busy household. Back in the day, she was often known to drive grain trucks and tractors during harvest and then cook meals in between for the harvest crew. In addition to farming and cattle ranching, LeRoy and Barbara operated Whitewater and Crofoot Ranches in the mid-1960s, located on the main Salmon River in the primitive area of Idaho. For about 10 years, they ran a big game hunting and fishing operation for domestic and international outdoorsmen. This was an exciting endeavor for extended family as well, who enjoyed many memorable times in the backcountry.

Leisure time was sparse in those days, but they managed to have fun, vacationing with family and friends, taking ballroom dance lessons, traveling to Shriner events and Charolais cattle shows throughout the western U.S. Barbara was an involved member of the Nezperce community. She belonged to numerous organizations, the Christian church, Grange hall, Riding Club, Order of the Eastern Star, bridge clubs and was an active 4-H, Cub Scout and Brownie leader. Barbara loved animals of all kinds, was a talented piano player, respectable bridge player, excellent cook and seamstress and enjoyed sewing, horseback riding, camping, reading, crossword puzzles and going on road trips.

Barbara and LeRoy parted ways in 1983. Three years later at the age of 57, Barbara enrolled in Walla Walla Community College's nursing program in Clarkston. She graduated in June 1989, at which time she moved to Parker, Ariz., to work in the Parker Indian Hospital for several years. She then moved from Arizona to Kennewick to marry Bill Powers, Feb. 6, 1996. Barbara initially met Bill years earlier in the mid-1970s, when the Powers and Henderson families shared a common interest in raising beefalo cattle. Bill later founded what is now known as Badger Mountain Vineyard and Powers Winery. After Barbara joined Bill in Kennewick, they entertained numerous wine luminaries, Barbara always the gracious hostess. In retirement years, they wintered in Yuma, Ariz., with their many snowbird friends. She stayed closely connected to many relatives and attended frequent family reunions in Nebraska. She and Bill hosted several Axtell reunions at Badger Mountain Vineyard.

Throughout her life, Barbara overcame many obstacles with a never-give-up attitude. In recent years, she struggled with post-polio syndrome, but managed to stay somewhat mobile on her tri-wheel walker. She endured the last six months of her life rehabilitating from a compound ankle fracture early February through May. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in the Tri-Cities and was airlifted to Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. After seven weeks of battling this debilitating illness, she lost her fight to complications of pancreatitis. Although very frail, she demonstrated the graceful dignity that she'd embodied during her lifetime in her final hours, before passing peacefully into the loving hands of our heavenly Father.

Our darling, sweet Barbara was an extraordinarily special lady. Her kind and gentle soul will be deeply missed and we'll always remember her for her devotion to family and friends, her beautiful smile, her warm and caring nature and her positive outlook on life. Always putting others' needs before hers, she was generous to a fault, extremely thoughtful and considerate and a purveyor of unconditional love to all. She touched the lives of many and was adored and respected by those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Preceding Barbara in death are parents Elmer and Gwendolyn Axtell; husbands Joel LeRoy Henderson and Bill Powers; and son Joel Lee Henderson. Survivors are daughter Debbie of Seattle; sons Monte of Boise and Brad "Scott" of Lewiston; stepson Greg Powers of Kennewick; and stepdaughter Elizabeth (Powers) Cito of Seattle; grandchildren Nikki Henderson and Jessica Henderson; stepgrandchildren Trevor, Colton and Lexi Powers, and David and Devon Cito; and two great-granddaughters; sisters Mona Stacy of Wenden, Ariz., and Kay Bonner of Orofino; and brother Keith Axtell of Lewiston; sisters-in-law Helen (Henderson) Howard and Judi (Henderson) Rupe; brother-in-law Jim Henderson of White Bird; and sister-in-law Shirley (Powers) Lucas of Kennewick. Barbara is also survived by a plethora of loved ones, including many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life services are planned as follows: 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston, followed by a reception at the Red Lion Hotel in Lewiston. A private burial for family will take place at Nezperce Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 15. A second celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Aug. 16 at Badger Mountain Vineyard/Powers Winery, 1106 Jurupa, Kennewick. The family invites you to share your memories of Barbara online at www.malcomsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane.