Rose Marie Potter

Rose Marie Potter, 78, of California, Mo., departed this life on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at Moniteau Care Center. Rose was born on August 23, 1932, near Russellville, Mo., the only child of Victor F. and Florence M. (Geiger) Reichel, both of whom preceded her in death. She was raised on the family farm southwest of McGirk and graduated from California High School in 1950. After completing her first year at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Mo., she met her husband to be, Billy Roy Potter of Sedalia, Mo. The couple eloped to Kansas City and were married on July 26, 1951, at Benton Boulevard Baptist Church. Billy preceded her in death in March 2009. As her new husband was in the U.S. Army, the couple started in Chicago, moved to Kansas City and then to Sedalia. In 1958, Billy responded to the call of the gospel ministry and Rose turned her focus from simply being a housewife and mother to that of also being a pastor's wife, serving and supporting her husband's ministry in Missouri Baptist churches for over 36 years. She was most recently a member of First Baptist Church in California, Mo. Throughout Rose's married life, she was dedicated to the service of her church and family. She faithfully gave of her time and talent to the church with music, education, church activities and mission work. Always the matron of a Christian home, everyone was greeted with a smile at the door and welcomed at her table. Mrs. Potter had been a member of chapter 521 Order of the Eastern Star, California, Mo., where she had served as Worthy Matron and as a District Deputy Grand Matron. Rose is survived by three children: Sharon Potter Hoskins of California, Mo.; David Potter of California, Mo.; and Steven Potter of Kansas City, Mo. There are five grandchildren: Joshua Hoskins of California, Mo.; Kelly Potter Dansby of Ft. Worth, Texas; SSGT James Hoskins USAF serving in Afghanistan; Joseph Potter of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Elizabeth Hoskins Batye of Hartsburg, Mo. She is also survived by five great-grandsons and one step-great-grandson. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services in California. Officiating will be Rev. Greg Morrow. Burial will be in California Masonic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 15, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with an Order of the Eastern Star service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.