Sadra Charlene Powe

Sadra “Charlene” Powe, age 86, shed her earthly vessel on May 31st 2024 at the home she shared with her daughter Denise Hallbert (& Steven) in Choctaw OK. She fought tenaciously to recover from a stroke on April 29th. However, God had a better plan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, HS sweetheart, & soulmate of 55 years Dale Powe; her parents Lee & Lorene Johnson; her sister Peggy (Albert) Klein and all three of Peggy’s children Keith, Rene & Brent; and her granddaughter April (Orlando) Villegas. She is survived by her daughter Denise (Steven) Hallbert of Choctaw OK; son Russell Powe of San Jacinto CA; grandson Jason (Amber) Young of Beaumont CA; grandson Brandon (Amanda) Young of Midwest City OK; and granddaughter Amber Powe of San Jacinto CA; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Her greatest joy and fondest memories were made being the wife of a horse rancher in Southern California. She was always thrilled to share stories of celebrity visits to Oak Lane Ranch in Hidden Valley (between Thousand Oaks & Malibu) by Old Hollywood film crews. The brightest jewel in that crown was meeting actor Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy prior to his political career. She was devoted to her husband and family her entire life. She was much loved “Aunt Charlene” to her sister’s children after Peggy’s tragic death at the age of 27. In her later years, she was caregiver to both sets of parents, and then her husband Dale as he navigated years of health challenges including dementia during retirement.

Assisted by avid journaling, she had a lifetime of memories to share with anyone who would take the time to listen. She was a history lesson much more real and engaging than any book you could read or class you could take. She never threw anything away. If you ever sent a card, letter, photo, joke, poem, remembrance, party favor, invitation, or announcement – rest assured, she still had it.

She and Dale shared a deep love of animals, wildlife and nature that led to a lifetime of diverse animal friends and adventures. She could share for hours her stories about the companionship and antics of both furred and feathered family.

The last five + years in Oklahoma suited her perfectly as she again enjoyed country living in a manner fondly remembered but long absent in California. The importance of faith, community, and patriotism was a welcome change.

Graveside service is July 10th @ 10:30am Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. March Air Reserve Base, CA 92518. Family and Friends meet 12-2pm @ Jitterz 42 W. Ramsey, Banning CA. For inquiries, please contact Denise Hallbert (909) 641-1247.