Lee Ann Powell

Barbara Lee Ann Powell (née Guenther), known by all as Lee Ann: beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on the morning of December 1, 2022, at the age of 71 after a courageous six-year struggle with ovarian cancer. She was born on September 3, 1951, in Longmont, Colorado to Wayne and Marilyn Guenther, raised in the San Mateo/Burlingame Bay Area of California, and lived in Germany, Greeley, and Denver, Colorado.

Above all, Lee Ann was a deeply devoted mother and grandmother, who always found creative ways to provide support, guidance, and most importantly, bear hugs. She was a fierce and unconditional advocate for her children and grandchildren and ensured they felt boundless and open, affirming love.

In addition to her primary role as the family matriarch, Lee Ann found joy and excelled in many other roles, including Elementary School Teacher (Denver Public Schools), Tupperware Lady, Girl Scout leader, master gardener, grammarian, and office manager at the Gifted Development Center. She made a profound impact with unparalleled attention to detail as the family historian and maintained a steadfast passion for nurturing young minds.

Among Lee Ann’s many bountiful gifts and contributions, her talent as a pianist and dedication to art and musical cultivation is a living legacy, continued through her children and grandchildren. She took an interest in scientific contemplation and finding spiritual meaning in the natural world. While not ascribing to religion, Lee Ann was captivated by large church pipe organs and continued to play her Grandmother’s (Beasley, née Moomaw) pump organ in her final days.

Lee Ann was known for her joyous spirit, kind heart, persistence, warm smile, intellect, and unwavering support of her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, though her memory and spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched.

Lee Ann was preceded in death by her brother Larry, her parents Wayne and Marilyn, and her son, Todd Tawd (née Powell). Lee Ann is survived by Todd’s wife, Lea, and children, Spencer and Lumen; her daughter, Kim and partner Kirsten; her son Ryan, his wife Melissa and their children, Christopher, Riordan, and Halen; her brother Dale, his wife Ellen and their children, Jessica and Michael; her former husband and father of her children, Steve, extended family, and network of close friends, including her best friend Shari.

A celebration of her life was held on January 28th, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Denver, 1373 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203. A link to the livestream of the service is provided below. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance, the Lee Ann GDC scholarship fund (please see link below), or one of the many organizations or causes Lee Ann supported.