Long Time Teacher Passes Away During Pandemic

Long Time Teacher Passes Away During Pandemic

Elizabeth Powers, known to colleagues and friends as Beth, died peacefully on Oct. 11, 2021.  She was 100 years old. Recruited by the KS principal at that time, who also taught in her home state of Iowa, Powers left her home for KS in 1949 and never turned back.  Powers began her teaching tenure at KS teaching business education.  Eventually, Powers taught English, her true love, especially literature.  After her retirement of 50 years of service at KS, Powers remained active with Friends of the Library, the Bishop Museum, and the Botanical Gardens. Only fitting, a Smith-office garden with a beautifully crafted wooden bench was created in her honor this past year.  Her legacy continues through present English Kumu who credit their love for their craft to her passion for teaching at KS.