(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)
Rosalee Potter, age 89, of Lamar, MO entered her heavenly home January 27, 2023, at Truman Health Care. Rosalee was born February 5, 1933, to Clarence “Dutch” Alexander and Mattie Mae (Stone) Gordon in Avola, MO. She was the sixth of seven children. She grew up on her parents’ farm, and after her father passed away, she helped her mother with housework and caring for the chickens.
She attended Avola Country School for eight years and then four years at Sheldon High School, graduating in1951. She met and married Rollin Leroy Potter on February 12, 1950.
She was a dedicated servant of the Lord. She was faithful in her attendance at classes and church. She taught the children’s class, hosted visiting missionaries, and in later years taught the adult Bible class. Rosalee kept busy with many activities.
She taught swimming lessons and Weight Watchers, played bridge and other card games, and enjoyed playing train with dominoes. She was a talented decorator and enjoyed decorating her home. She decorated her home inside and out for Christmas and would have several fully decorated trees. Her skill showed and was obvious by the numerous awards she received for her decorations. She was an excellent cook.
In later years, when she was not able to stand for long periods of time, she would sit in her chair and give instructions, even when with very capable cooks. She loved entertaining in her home and hosted Christmas parties and family gatherings, where she would prepare a big spread for the visitors. Everyone who entered her home felt special.
She and Rollin were lifelong members of Chat-N-Chew, a group of friends who met monthly, went out to eat, and then returned to a member’s home to chat a while. The group also had yearly camping trips and Christmas parties. She loved being outside, reading a book, watching people go by, and visiting with those who would stop for a while.
Rosalee was the office manager for Potter Plumbing and Heating. She managed the sales room, selling TVs, stereos, washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. She retired in 2000 and babysat her grandson. She often spoke of her co-workers, Gail Day, Judy and Lister Potter, and Carl Phipps. She loved the girls in the bridge club, including Norma Harris, Joan Jones, Joyce Gage, Sondra Reigal, Betty Gideon, and Betty Gilkey, to name a few. She was also fond of Ed and Mary Belle Rice, Phil and Susie King, Pat Hauser, Carolyn Gordon, Bonnie Graham and Jean Hauser.
Rosalee loved football. She attended the games of the Lamar Tigers until she was unable to due to a fall in which she broke her arm and hip. She then continued to follow them on YouTube and the radio. She attended all the playoffs and state championship games. She also loved watching the Chiefs.
She is survived by her sons, Brad and wife Lorraine Potter, and Mitch and wife Carissa Potter of Lamar, MO; six grandchildren, Amy (Scot) Losh, Kiley (Ray) Triscik, John Candler, Chance, Kiersten, and Kinsley Potter; three great-grandchildren Jordan and Ryker Losh and Marley Newell, and sister-in-law Carolyn Gordon as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Rosalee was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rollin, infant son, Rollin Kemp Potter; four brothers, Willis Gordon, Glenn Gordon, Paul Nelson Gordon, and Jack Gordon; two sisters Edna Mae Rice and Dulcie Rice; and grandson Derek Candler.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, the family suggests The Gideon Bible Society or Lamar United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
The family will receive visitors on Monday January 30, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Konantz Warden Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday January 31, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Lamar United Methodist Church.
