Rita Karen Crawford (April 6, 1942 - April 10, 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Karen Crawford, who passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at the age of 83.
Bert Powelson and Alice Card welcomed their daughter Rita into the world in Lethbridge, Alberta. She was raised in the close-knit community of Raymond, Alberta, where her vibrant spirit began to blossom. Rita’s memorable smile left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and her loving, energetic nature touched countless lives.
Rita’s love was expressed far beyond words—she showed it through her actions, taking time to teach and share the talents she held dear. Her determined, assertive, and resilient nature shaped every aspect of her life. No matter the challenge, Rita faced it head-on with unwavering strength and confidence, inspiring others not just through her achievements, but through her willingness to lift and empower those around her.
As a mother, Rita cared deeply for her children, showing her love in countless small, meaningful ways. She understood the sacred role of motherhood and worked tirelessly to provide for her family, always finding creative ways to make her children feel special. Even when resources were limited, Rita’s determination and ingenuity shone brightly. She taught her children the importance of making the best of what you have, weaving valuable life lessons into everyday moments—especially while cooking together in the kitchen. Through her example, she showed them how to find joy, fun, and meaning in the journey, no matter the circumstances.
Above all, Rita had a profound love for her Savior, which she demonstrated by living a Christlike life. She strove daily to emulate Him—never finding fault in others, serving selflessly at every opportunity, and offering kindness and compassion to everyone she met. Her faith in Jesus Christ was also expressed through her service to her Lord through faithfully serving three missions with her forever companion Darrel. Rita’s devotion to family history work was another testament to her faith, as she dedicated countless hours to preserving her family’s genealogy and found peace regularly in the Cardston Temple.
Her legacy of faith, love, laughter, and learning will continue to bless the lives of all who knew her.
Rita is predeceased by her parents, Bert and Alice Powelson; her sister, Valerie Harris Palmer; her brother, Max Powelson; her stepdaughter, Ann (Crawford) Earl; and her stepson Stephen Jay Crawford.
She leaves behind her beloved spouse, Darrel; Her children: Karen Miller (Cam Bain), Rick Miller, Mitch (Anna) Miller, and Charlene (John) Berry; Her stepchildren: Virginia Hartley, Bruce Earl, Verena (Darren) Beazer, and Derra Murray (Colter Bates); Her dear brother, Gordon Powelson; And a lasting legacy of love through her 29 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild – spanning five living generations.
The Funeral Service will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cobblestone Chapel, (27 Cobblestone Lane), Raymond, AB at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.
Bert Powelson and Alice Card welcomed their daughter Rita into the world in Lethbridge, Alberta. She was raised in the close-knit community of Raymond, Alberta, where her vibrant spirit began to blossom. Rita’s memorable smile left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and her loving, energetic nature touched countless lives.
Rita’s love was expressed far beyond words—she showed it through her actions, taking time to teach and share the talents she held dear. Her determined, assertive, and resilient nature shaped every aspect of her life. No matter the challenge, Rita faced it head-on with unwavering strength and confidence, inspiring others not just through her achievements, but through her willingness to lift and empower those around her.
As a mother, Rita cared deeply for her children, showing her love in countless small, meaningful ways. She understood the sacred role of motherhood and worked tirelessly to provide for her family, always finding creative ways to make her children feel special. Even when resources were limited, Rita’s determination and ingenuity shone brightly. She taught her children the importance of making the best of what you have, weaving valuable life lessons into everyday moments—especially while cooking together in the kitchen. Through her example, she showed them how to find joy, fun, and meaning in the journey, no matter the circumstances.
Above all, Rita had a profound love for her Savior, which she demonstrated by living a Christlike life. She strove daily to emulate Him—never finding fault in others, serving selflessly at every opportunity, and offering kindness and compassion to everyone she met. Her faith in Jesus Christ was also expressed through her service to her Lord through faithfully serving three missions with her forever companion Darrel. Rita’s devotion to family history work was another testament to her faith, as she dedicated countless hours to preserving her family’s genealogy and found peace regularly in the Cardston Temple.
Her legacy of faith, love, laughter, and learning will continue to bless the lives of all who knew her.
Rita is predeceased by her parents, Bert and Alice Powelson; her sister, Valerie Harris Palmer; her brother, Max Powelson; her stepdaughter, Ann (Crawford) Earl; and her stepson Stephen Jay Crawford.
She leaves behind her beloved spouse, Darrel; Her children: Karen Miller (Cam Bain), Rick Miller, Mitch (Anna) Miller, and Charlene (John) Berry; Her stepchildren: Virginia Hartley, Bruce Earl, Verena (Darren) Beazer, and Derra Murray (Colter Bates); Her dear brother, Gordon Powelson; And a lasting legacy of love through her 29 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild – spanning five living generations.
The Funeral Service will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cobblestone Chapel, (27 Cobblestone Lane), Raymond, AB at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.