Dorothy Jean (Thomas) Powers

Dorothy Jean Thomas Powers died peacefully on October 8, 2025, at the age of 101 in Greenwood, Indiana. She had been a resident of Aspen Trace Senior Living.

Dorothy was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Ruth (Purman) and George Thomas on November 23, 1923. She had four younger siblings that she helped to rear. She graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1941 and went to work at L.S. Ayres Department Store.

She met Hobert Earl Powers while roller-skating at Riverside Park, which they enjoyed doing for many years. They were married on December 1, 1945, and had three children, Steven, Nancy, and Susan. She worked for Harper Ransburg and American United Life Insurance Company. She was an active member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, serving in the altar guild and a volunteer in Next-To-New Shoppe.

She dedicated everything she had to the people she loved. She was an active grandmother taking her grandchildren swimming, mini-golfing, bowling, to movies, out to eat, and played cards and "school" at an old desk in the basement. Her nature was of innate positivity; when you gave her a "Draw-Four" in UNO, she would say, "I love it," as she drew four more cards.

She gracefully disarmed everyone with her kindness, resilience, and overwhelming positivity in the face of extreme adversity. She would share and live by the golden rule, "treat people as you wish to be treated." Her attitude inspired those around her to be better versions of themselves. Even in her final years, she continued to wear a smile, telling everyone how wonderful they are, and how much she loved and saw in them.

Dorothy loved her family fiercely and cherished spending time with her large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews. Some of her favorite times were summers at Lake Ridinger, Bingo parties, and holiday get-togethers.

In retirement, she joined a women's bowling league. She was gifted with a strong creative spirit which she expressed by crocheting afghans for her family and forging many wonderful ceramic pieces and paintings. Her artwork is proudly hung in her children and grandchildren's homes.

She is survived by two of her children Steven Powers (Win Tackett) of Indianapolis, IN, Susan (Roger) Stephens of Martinsville, IN; four grandchildren Julia (John) Kiefer, Andrew (Michelle) Powers, Ashley (Randy) Graham, and Zachary (Jessica) Stephens and nine great-grandchildren Luke, Elizabeth, and Levi Kiefer, Nicklas and Avery Powers, Lyla and Leo Graham, and Oliver and Rosemary Stephens. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hobert, by her companion of nine years, Earl Wells, her beloved daughter, Nancy Powers, to whom she was dedicated, her parents, and her four siblings.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 2601 East Thompson Road, Indianapolis, IN on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral at 11:00 a.m.

A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church 2601 East Thompson Road Indianapolis, IN 46227.

Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.