Obituary of Susan H. Powers

Susan Hope (Haney) Powers, age 79, of Lone Tree, passed away on March 1, 2026, and was reunited with her son, Chuck, whom she deeply missed. 

She was born February 17, 1947, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles and Gwendolyn (Ellis) Haney. Susan was raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was fortunate to live near her cousins, Joey, Tommy & Danny, and often went to the corner store to get a popsicle and put it on her dad’s tab. She kept in close contact with her cousins, Danny & Tommy, and looked forward to the road trips to Iowa. Susan graduated from Rapid City High School in 1965.  Right after graduating high school, she moved with her mom to Iowa City to join her father, who had moved there for work with the plumbers union.

She met Richard Henry Powers at the Iowa City recreation center, and they were married on January 2, 1970, in Iowa City, Iowa.  Susan was a homemaker most of her life, but also worked temporary jobs at Oral-B, Procter & Gamble, and MCI.

Susan enjoyed knitting. A few people were lucky enough to receive an afghan she had knitted that she deemed perfect enough not to tear apart. She loved Christmas and wanted to ensure everyone had a present and that the tree had a lot of pretty ornaments.  She made the best deviled eggs that barely made it to the table, and when it did, half or more of them were already snatched off the plate.  She wanted to help people if she could, even if she didn’t have much to give.  She valued family and was proud of the family she created.

Susan is survived by her husband of 56 years, Richard Powers, and two children. Scott Powers of Lone Tree & Sarah (Bruce) Gritton of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Scott Dakota Powers, Jade Hinricks, Kage (Nicole) Squires, and Jolie Gritton, as well as her bonus daughter Regan (Nick) Fowler; and her beloved goldendoodle Sandy Sunshine.

Susan was preceded in death by her oldest son Richard “Chuck” Powers, her parents, her in-laws Lester & Gretchen Powers, and brother-in-law Steven Powers.

Susan’s family would like to thank Essence of Life Hospice and Hallmark Care Center for taking great care of her in her final months.

Susan will be cremated, and a casual visitation for family and friends will be held at Gay & Ciha Funeral & Cremation Service on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Johnson County Humane Society.