BOLIVAR - Beatrice J. Powell passed away, Sunday (Sept. 17, 2017) in the Olean General Hospital, after a short illness. Born Sept. 13, 1925, in Smethport, Pa., she was the daughter of the late John and Athlene Robbins Craft.
On Dec. 18, 1946, in Olean, she married Donald H. Powell, who predeceased her in 2006. In her younger years she worked at the Olean Tile Company, and later at the AVX Corporation until she retired. Beatrice was a member of the West Clarksville Baptist Church. She enjoyed sewing and camping with her family. She and her late husband were loyal fans of St. Bonaventure basketball. Surviving are three daughters, Bonnie (Les) Field of Cuba, Ellodene (Everett) Studley of Portville, and Barbara (Terry) Miller of Cuba; one son, Donald H. (Christy Washington) Powell of Bolivar; 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Laura Beckwith of Niagara Falls and Genevieve Lewis of Florida; three brothers, John Craft of North Tonawanda, Bill (Connie) Craft of Tonawanda and Joseph Craft of Arcade; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Connie Buckles; a twin sister, Bernice Craft; and a sister, Marjorie Crowley.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2017) at Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 51 South Main Street, Portville. Funeral and committal services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday (Sept. 20, 2017) in the West Clarksville Baptist Church. Pastor Wayne Hart will officiate. Burial will be in West Genesee Cemetery, Obi.
Memorials may be made to the West Clarksville Baptist Church, 9003 Daggett Hollow Road, Bolivar, NY, 14715 or to the charity of the donor's choice.
