Eleanor Joan Powers, 88, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Colby, Kansas, following a short illness. She was born on October 18, 1937, in Lebanon, Indiana, the daughter of the late Roland and Dorothy (Peters) Hackett.
She grew up on a corn farm, and no matter where life took her, Indiana always held a special place in her heart. Eleanor graduated from Kirkland High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Butler University, where she met her husband, Donald Powers of Seymour, Indiana. She later returned to school to earn her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
She opened and operated a preschool in Whitewater before moving to the Kansas City area, where she taught elementary school for 25 years. After retiring from teaching, she began a second career in insurance, where she worked until her retirement.
She had a passion for politics and was an active member of the Sunflower Club, serving as a precinct committee chair. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. In her free time, Eleanor enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Indiana Fever.
Survivors include her sons, Greg, Brent, and Curtis Powers; grandchildren, Anthony and Eric Powers; and great grandchildren, Emery, Ophelia, and Logan.
In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her stepmother, Delores Goodman; and her two brothers, Robert and Byron Hackett.
Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Centenary United Methodist Church, 910 Fordice Road, in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will follow services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. Myers Mortuary has been entrusted with her arrangements.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com