Place cleaned pinto beans in your crock pot and cover the beans with the water. If your beans are 1 inch deep, you need two inches of water above the beans. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3½ hours. Occasionally check the beans and add more water to keep them from drying out on top, if necessary.After 3½ hours add the salt and garlic powder. Stir, and cover for an additional 30 minutes. Taste and add more seasoning if desired.Heat 2 tbsp of corn oil in a large pan over high heat for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and carefully add 3 cups of the beans (including the juices) to the hot pan. *CAUTION* this may cause splattering so use a splatter guard if necessary to avoid any burns.Let the beans fry in the oil until bubbly throughout, then use a potato masher to smash the beans. Place the refried beans into another dish to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and beans until all beans are mashed.Serve warm. Enjoy!