Pamela Ann Powell

Pamela Ann (Blankenship) Powell, age 77, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026. Pamela was born on August 3, 1948, in St. Louis, MO, to the late Phil and Marion (Leuchtmann) Blankenship. Pamela was the second of four children: Phil, Mary Beth, and Robert. She graduated from Fox High School in 1966. In her youth, she enjoyed playing with her siblings, riding her horse Lady, and hanging with her dear friend Carol, who later became her sister-in-law.

Prior to graduation, she met the love of her life, Michael Dean Powell. The two dated for a few years prior to eloping 4 days before Michael was deployed to Vietnam on May 11, 1968. Their story was one of enduring love and commitment for nearly 58 years.

They had two children: Colleen (Christopher) Buchinger and Michael David (Michelle) Powell. Four grandchildren: Benjamin (Jenna) Buchinger, Mackenzie Powell, Michael Dylan (Alexis Chancellor) Powell, and Macie Powell. She was able to enjoy being a great-grandmother to Everrett Chancellor-Powell. She is survived by many extended family members, including brother-in-law Hewie (Arlene Miller) Powell, many nieces and nephews, and multiple cousins, including Pastor Dwight (Sherry) Blankenship, who was more like a brother.

Her family brought her so much joy and pride, and she would brag to anyone who would listen about their accomplishments. She was often to be found in attendance of many baseball games, volleyball games, and dance recitals through the years.

Pamela worked for Social Security for 34 years. She was recognized on multiple occasions for her excellent service and dedication. Pamela was a member of the American Legion Lady’s Auxiliary Post 318 in Parkville for 25 years. During that time, she served many roles, including Treasurer and President.

Pamela enjoyed many activities during her life, including reading, fishing, playing Bingo, attending the theater, eating out, and traveling. However, her most favorite thing was to cook and enjoy a meal with her family.

Pamela was preceded in death by her parents, Phil and Marion Blankenship, her siblings, Phil, MaryBeth (Dawson), and Robert Blankenship, sister-in-law Carol Blankenship, and nephew, Phillip Blankenship.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Service at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119 on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM with Visitation from 1:00 PM until service time. Committal Service will immediately follow the service at White Chapel Cemetery, Gladstone, MO. Please share memories and condolences on the White Chapel Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care (kchospice.org). The care they provided Pamela during her transition was excellent and such a relief to the family. Or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) to help fight the disease which she battled for the last 13 years of her life.