Rita Lorraine Powelson, 76 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died unexpectedly 6:05 am Monday, July 25, 2011 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital, Fort Madison, Iowa. She was born July 4, 1935 at McDonough County, Illinois, a daughter of Maurice and Ruth (Woods) Luton. She was baptized in 1948 at the Old Bedford Church, Blandinsville, Illinois. On January 18, 1953, she married Gerald Powelson at the Old Bedford Church, Blandinsville, Illinois. They moved to Fort Madison in 1974 and was a homemaker. She was an active member of the First Christian Church, where she was an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Pianist, and a member of the Christian Women's Fellowship and the Community Bible Study. She felt called to promote hospitality at her church with coffee fellowship, hugs, and lots of cookies. She earned her GED at 69. She enjoyed gardening, her flowers, and feeding people. She cherished her time with family and friends. Rita worked selflessly for the glory of Christ, showing us all a glimpse of God, how to truly live as His disciple.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald Powelson, of Fort Madison, Iowa; three sons: Steven Powelson, of Niota, Illinois, Roger (wife Kim) Powelson, of Clifton Hill, Missouri; and Matthew Powelson, of Fort Madison, Iowa; three daughters: Gerry (husband Dale) Pohlpeter of Fort Madison, Iowa; Sherry (husband Rocky) Aschbrenner, of Fort Madison, Iowa; and Jeanne (husband Donny) Hogan, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one brother, Edward (wife Lucille) Luton, of Blandinsville, Illinois; two sisters, Elsie Dunlop, of Kirksville, Missouri and Vera Hibbard, of Sedalia, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Beverly Luton Oge, of Fort Madison, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Floyd Luton, and one sister Shirley Luton.

Friends may call after 1:00 pm Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, where the family will meet friends from 6:00 - 7:30 pm Wednesday evening. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the First Christian Church, Fort Madison, Iowa, with Reverend John Simpson, officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established for the First Christian Church or Community Bible Study, contributions may be made at church or the Barr Memorial Chapel.