Ruth Margaret Powers

Ruth Margaret Ollhoff Powers (94) of Brevard, NC died on Sunday, February 8, 2026. At the time of death, she was a resident of the College Walk Retirement Community in Brevard, NC.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Marie Soltow Ollhoff and August Frederick Ollhoff. Ruth’s childhood was spent in Palos Park, Illinois. Following graduation from Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois, she attended Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in industrial microbiology. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega social fraternity. While at Purdue University, she becomes engaged to Jack Powers. They were married in August 1952. Both were employed in the research division of Corn Products Refining Company until they returned to attend graduate school at Purdue University where Jack received his PhD.

In the next eight years, Jack and Ruth had 4 children. The family was fortunate to live in many parts of the country and enjoyed camping and traveling. Ruth also served as an organizer and president of a chapter of the League of Women Voters in Wisconsin and was involved in promoting racial equality in her social fraternity. She was a co-president of her children’s P.T.A. while living in Atlanta. In her church communities she enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes and participating in the Women’s Societies.

After moving to Brevard, Ruth was active in the American Association of University Women, was a volunteer in Rise and Shine Sharing House, and was on the board of the Transylvania County Historical Society.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Jack W. Powers and sister-in-law, Nancy S. Powers of Columbus, IN. She is survived by her 4 children: Tod William Powers (Kim) of Dublin, OH; David Edward Powers (Nancy) of Six Mile, SC; Alicia Alexander (George -deceased) of Plano, TX; and Laurie Kidd (David Rhein) of Whitehall, PA. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

At a future time to be determined, the family will gather for a celebration of life and interment service at the Order of the Odd Fellows’ Cemetery in New Haven, Indiana.

The family requests that donations in memory of Ruth be made to the charity of your choice.

Brown Funerals - Cremation Society of SC is assisting the family.