Laurel Dean (Wilch) Powell was born January 28, 1938, in Denver, Colorado to Josephine Marquis Wilch and Lawrence Denning Wilch. She passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on December 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Choctaw, Oklahoma.

Laurel married the love of her life, Bobby Louis Powell, on December 18, 1977. Together they shared 41 years of marriage before Bob’s passing in 2019. Throughout her adult life, Laurel worked as a bookkeeper for many businesses, earning a reputation for dedication and reliability. She and Bob also owned and operated a successful pest control business in Corrales, New Mexico. After selling the business in 2002 they moved to Luther, Oklahoma where they fulfilled their lifelong dream of breeding and racing racehorses.

Following Bobb’s passing, Laurel moved to Choctaw to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Randy Bernardi, who lovingly cared for her for the next six years. Known affectionately as “Bamma” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Laurel found great joy in attending baseball and basketball games, graduations, and weekly family gatherings at Jennifer and Randy’s home.

Laurel was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert ‘Rob’ Murray; and sister, Marilynn Tabor.

Survivors include her children, Rick Murray and Anessa Alderman of Scottsdale, Arizona, Jennifer and Randy Bernardi of Choctaw, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Dustin and Jennie Murray of Wellston, Oklahoma, Michelle and Landon Cates of Leedey, Oklahoma, Tyson and Savanna Bernardi of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dalton and Rami Bernardi of Moore, Oklahoma, Jillian Murray of Scottsdale, Arizona, Gavin Murray of Scottsdale, Arizona; as well as 17 cherished great-grandchildren, other family members and friends.

Laurel deeply loved her church family at First Christian Church of Luther, who faithfully visited her with meals and conversation. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Laurel’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the First Christian Church of Luther. Memorial contributions can be made in Laural’s honor to the First Christian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.