Inara Powers

Inara Powers

Cedar Rapids

April 22, 1941 – December 21, 2023

Inara Grandbergs Powers, a beloved wife, aunt, and interior designer, passed away peacefully in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Born on April 22, 1941, in Riga, Latvia, Inara’s life was marked by extraordinary resilience and a journey worthy of a movie.

Inara’s early years were shadowed by the turmoil of World War II. When the second Russian occupation of Latvia began in 1944, Inara, her mother, and her brother fled their homeland, embarking on a perilous journey that first took them to Poland. Faced with a choice between returning to Latvia or moving on to Germany, they chose the latter. Upon reaching Germany, they were forced to work in a factory where labor was drawn from displaced persons from various nations.

Tragedy struck when the factory was bombed by the Allies. Inara and her family fled to the forest, seeking refuge from the chaos. The following day, they returned to salvage their belongings from the ruins and began their journey through the German countryside. Eventually, they found sanctuary on a farm, living in the barn and assisting with farm work until the Allies liberated the area. Subsequently, they were relocated to a displaced persons camp in Memmingen run by the Americans.

In 1951, Inara and her family were sponsored to emigrate to the United States, where they initially settled in South Dakota before joining a community of Latvians in Des Moines, Iowa. It was there, at Des Moines Technical High School, that Inara met the love of her life, Wayne Powers. They were married and settled in Cedar Rapids.

In Cedar Rapids, Inara established herself as a well-known interior designer, bringing beauty and elegance into countless homes. She was also a passionate advocate for the local wildlife, best known for her efforts to protect the city’s deer from legalized hunting within city limits. Her love for the Cedar Rapids area was evident in everything she did, from her professional work to her community activism.

Inara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Wayne, her brother, Ivars, and her mother, Kazimira (Cassie). She is survived by her nephews, Gentry and Garritt, who cherish the memories of their aunt’s indomitable spirit and loving nature.

Inara’s life story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of resilience and compassion will live on.

Inara was laid to rest at Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion. In accordance with her wishes, a private graveside service was held, where close family gathered to celebrate her remarkable life and bid her a heartfelt farewell.