Carmen Powls

Carmen Powls, age 54, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Carmen was born on October 3, 1970, in Hillsboro, Kansas, the daughter of Roger and Marlys (Preheim) Hofer. She grew up in the Mennonite tradition, carrying with her a deep sense of faith, service, and family that guided her throughout her life. Carmen graduated from Bethel College in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in music education and an emphasis in piano performance, a career she faithfully pursued for more than 30 years. She poured her love and dedication into teaching at Mont Ida, Greeley, and Westphalia schools, touching the lives of nearly three generations of families. Her colleagues and students remember her not only as an educator, but also as someone who made every person feel comfortable, capable, and cared for.

Carmen met the love of her life, Mark Powls, through what he calls the "power of prayer." After setting aside dating services, Mark prayed for a partner and soon met Carmen at a music festival in Uniontown, Kansas. He was captivated by the beauty in her eyes and knew she was the one, even though she put off their first date for six weeks while making sure he was a man of integrity. Mark proposed on Christmas Eve in 1997, and the couple was united in marriage on June 6, 1998, at Trinity Mennonite Church in Hillsboro. They shared 27 years of marriage, filled with faith, music, and family. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Bethany and April.

Music was always at the heart of Carmen's life. She played the piano at the First Christian Church of Garnett, where Mark often joined her in worship, memories he treasures most. Their daughters inherited this musical gift, a legacy passed down from Carmen's love of song and worship. Carmen's faith was central to her life, and she and Mark often said the church was their muse.

Carmen was also known for her warmth and selflessness as a mother and wife. She taught her daughters everything she could, answering every question, encouraging them, and praying for them as they traveled away from home. She and Mark would stand on the porch together, praying for their children's safety as they drove off to school or journeys beyond. Her family recalls her thoughtful spirit, polished presence, wonderful hugs, and the quiet, powerful way she set an example for others. Even over this past Labor Day weekend, while caring for her own health, she put her daughters' needs first and made sure her children were cared for.

Carmen was an avid gardener and had a green thumb. She grew a large garden, always reminding her family to water it, and could often be found working outside or waiting on the porch for her daughters to arrive home. Inside, her kitchen was filled with the smell of her amazing cooking. She was especially known for her chili. Her husband Mark, a notoriously picky eater, absolutely loved anything Carmen made. Mark often said of Carmen, "She made sure everyone was fed." Carmen loved sewing and crafts, especially the art of cross-stitch. These hobbies she inherited from her beloved mother whom she cherished deeply.

On December 26, 2023, Carmen was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Carmen and her family lived in the mindset that what was to come would be hard, but full of hope. After searching for a homeopathic treatment, the perfect option was found in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This treatment was able to keep Carmen in a comfortable state and helped her remain more herself and preserve her quality of life. As her own mother said as she faced this battle, "No matter what, I am a winner" Carmen also said, "I know where I'm going." She knew that they would one day be reunited.

Carmen lived a life of quiet grace and steadfast love. She was deeply thoughtful, elegant, intentional and graceful, with the ability to make anyone feel welcomed and able. Her influence stretched far beyond her family and classroom into her community, where she shared her love of music, education, and faith.

Those left to rejoice in her new life and freedom from pain are her husband Mark Powls; daughters Bethany and April Powls; brother Lance and wife Jenn Hofer; father Roger and wife Joyce Hofer; and many relatives, close friends, and students.

Those preceding her in death were her mother and grandparents.

Memorials in Carmen's Honor can be made to the Carmen Powls Memorial Fund and left in the care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2025, at First Christian Church, Garnett, Kansas.