Cover photo for Ruth "Cheryl" Powell's Obituary

1945 Ruth 2025

April 14, 1945 — June 30, 2025

Indianapolis

Ruth "Cheryl" Powell, a loving wife, mom, grandma, great-grandmother, passed away on June 30th, at the Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis, with her family by her side. Cheryl was born in Indianapolis on April 14, 1945. She graduated from Howe High School in 1963, where she met her husband, Harry. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage together.

Cheryl enjoyed her time as a teacher's aide at Franklin Township Middle School during the 1980's. Her dedication and enthusiasm made a significant impact on the students she tutored.

Cheryl's gentle personality and joyful spirit will always be treasured and remembered.

Cheryl enjoyed watching sports, reality television, board games, cards, talking on the phone, and celebrating the 4th of July with family.

Cheryl is survived by her husband Harry; her daughter Lesli Bass (David Rabuck); her son Rodney (Brooke) Powell; four granddaughters; three great grandchildren; brother Donald Layton.

Cheryl was lovingly welcomed into eternity by her parents, Chester and Iva Pearl Layton, and her dear sister, Melanie Armstrong.

Visitation for Cheryl will be held on July 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on July 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, both at Washington Park East, located at 10722 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46229. A funeral service will follow on July 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM, also at Washington Park East. Following the service, a graveside gathering will take place at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 734 North Morgantown Road, Greenwood, IN 46142, starting at 2:00 PM.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth "Cheryl" Powell, please visit our flower store.

Construction Alert: Blue Line Project Underway

Gradex will reduce the front entrance at Washington Park East to a single lane due to ongoing Blue Line construction. We understand this change may cause significant traffic delays, especially for our funeral, cemetery, and event services.

What we're doing to help:

To ease congestion, we’ve expanded the 10th Street entrance, which will be open during normal business hours for all guests. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this evolving situation. We’ll continue to monitor traffic flow and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible experience for our visitors.