Thelma Lucille Powers

Thelma Lucille Powers, 99, of Artesia, NM passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at home surrounded by her family and friends, this support absolutely meant the world to her and brought immense comfort in her last days.

Lucille met the love of her life, Watson Powers, and they got married on October 21, 1939, in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. There they started a strong family of five children right before Watson enlisted to service in WWII. Upon returning, the family moved from Indiana to Artesia, NM in 1952 and then to Carlsbad, NM in 1957. This is where the called home for many wonderful years.

Lucille always had a unique strength of spirit throughout her life. She valued her independence, had tenacity, and a great sense of humor. She spent time reading, sewing, crocheting, and working with ceramics. But most of all her pride and joy was her family whom she held very close to her heart. Some of whom affectionately called her Grandma the Great. Lucille's legacy lives on in the heart of her family, and she will never be forgotten.

Lucille was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence “Scoop” Arnold; mother, Ethel (Beck) Richie; step-father, John Richie; husband, Watson Emery Powers; and two sisters: Ruby Oliver and Virginia Hedges.

Lucille is survived by her five children: JoAnn Yates of Artesia, NM; Carolyn Brown of Artesia, NM; Marilyn Kay Bush of Artesia, NM; Richard Lee Powers and wife, Debbie of Holbrooke, AZ; and Joyce Wood of Albuquerque, NM; eleven grandchildren; thirty-three great grandchildren; nineteen great-great grandchildren; brother, Lawrence Arnold and wife, Gracie of Indiana; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service has been scheduled for 3:00 PM Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Carlsbad Cemetery with Pastor Gavin Vaughn officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com