July 11, 1944 – February 10, 2026
Kathryn “Kathy” Jane (Bartelsmeyer) Powell, 81, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away peacefully at her home (Presbyterian Village) on February 10, 2026, with her daughters by her side. Kathy was born July 11, 1944, the oldest of three children of Merwin Henry and Wilma Jane (Hare) Bartelsmeyer. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1962. She met and married the love of her life, Larry Powell, on February 5, 1965. She attended nursing school at Saint Luke’s Hospital, earning her RN and beginning a lifelong nursing career. She worked for many years at Newman Young Clinic with Dr. Patrick McCann and Dr. Tagge, later serving with Dr. Michael Baker until her retirement. After retiring from nursing, she worked part-time with her brother at Bartelsmeyer Jewelry.
Kathy was devoted to every role she held—wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, church member, teacher, and friend. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, taking them to church, serving communion at nursing homes, baking, gardening, and doing whatever they enjoyed. Her grandchildren often insisted they “call Grandma” for even the smallest need—a testament to the love and comfort she provided.
Active in her church community, Kathy served as deacon, board chairman, Sunday school teacher, and bell choir member at First Christian Church until it closed. She later attended Community Christian Church and First United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed playing piano, cooking for family gatherings, gardening, and spending time with friends. She had a gift for welcoming and uniting people and quietly served others without seeking recognition. Kathy lived with deep faith, humility, and love.
Survivors include her daughters Shannon Greenfield (Karl) of Nevada, MO, and Jennifer Addington (Kevin) of Hernando, MS; grandchildren Gage and Britni Addington, Connor Bruce, and Kaleigh Hanson (Keeley); two great-grandchildren, Benedict Ryan and Poppy Jane Hanson; sister Charlotte Bartelsmeyer; brother John Bartelsmeyer (Cindy); and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry Powell, and nephew Christopher Bartelsmeyer.
A memorial service will be held at Community Christian Church in Fort Scott, Kansas, on Friday, March 27, at 11:30 a.m., the family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will be at the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Presbyterian Village and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.
