Aline Powell, 74

Mary Aline Powell, 74, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, in Mountain Home. The cause of death was attributed to the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease.

Aline was a direct descendent of the more than 6,000 Acadian people deported from their homeland by the British in the 1750s, some of whom settled in southern Louisiana. Acadia consisted of what are today the Maritime Provinces of Canada -- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

"Aline was very proud of her heritage as a true 'Cajun' from Louisiana," her family said.

Born Mary Aline Rabalais on Jan. 24, 1930, in Mansura, La., she later married Charles Miller Powell on Dec. 21, 1946, in Natchitoches, La. Charles spent his career in military service to the country, retiring in 1974 in Mountain Home, where he still lives.

"Aline was the consummate wife and mother," her family said. "Charles served long deployments in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam during his career and Aline always responded by holding down the family and managing the resources at home."

Her hobbies included cooking, needlework, travel, and the outdoors.

"A gregarious woman, she enjoyed a close circle of loyal friends and neighbors in Mountain Home, especially during this last, most difficult year," her family noted.

She is survived by: her husband, Charles, of Mountain Home; their three children, Teresa E. Cesinger of Atlanta, Texas, Charles E. Powell of Moscow, and Dr. Madison S. Powell of Twin Falls.

Aline was preceded in death by her father, Elmo Joseph Rabalais, her mother, Mercedes (Laborde) Rabalais, and her brother, Rufus James Rabalais, all of Mansura, La.