Marilyn Lorraine Potts

Through the life she lived each day, Marilyn L. Potts exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. She was diligent and hardworking in everything she did, and she was even known for being a bit feisty at times. Blessed to spend most of her life with her true love, Marilyn took every moment captive and made priceless memories along the way. A lifelong resident of the community she loved, she touched many hearts and lives over the years. Marilyn leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The 1930s were some of the darkest days we have faced as a nation as the Great Depression covered America and much of the world throughout the entire decade. The unemployment rate soared as jobs were hard to come by, and things only went from bad to worse when a drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the trials around them, Henry and Clara Bell Hays Markus were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their lives as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Marilyn Lorraine on November 26, 1933, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was the younger of two children as she was raised in the family home alongside her sister, Mildred “Millie.”

In many ways Marilyn was a young girl of her generation. Her father worked as a furnace contractor while his mother was a busy homemaker who enjoyed tending to her home and family. Marilyn attended local schools and graduated from Union High School in 1951. As a young woman she worked as a bookkeeper at a local bank and also as a bookkeeper at a local clothing store. As a family they attended Seventh Reformed Church on Leonard St. NW

As a young woman Marilyn was eager for all that life had in store. She loved eating at Mr. Fables Restaurant so she could often be found there. As fate would have it, it was there that she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Robert Potts, and he was an Army veteran. It was the early 1970's when they met, and they continued to see each other there nearly every day. They began dating, and it didn’t take the couple long to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married in April of 1978 in a small home wedding. They settled into a home on Crosby Street, NW, and later moved to his family home on Pine St, NW. Her dog, Buffy, was her treasured companion for 17 years. Throughout their marriage, Marilyn and Bob continued to do everything together including daily trips to Mr. Burger Restaurant. She and her husband were true soul mates and very in love. It was easy to see that she cherished her role as Bob’s wife. For years they were members of Westview Christian Reformed Church. Around home Marilyn was always very organized.

Throughout her life Marilyn was a woman of many interests. She loved crocheting, and over the years she made many gifts for family and friends. Marilyn loved the color pink, playing board games, especially Aggravation.

Later in life, Marilyn and Bob moved to Barkwood Condominiums and later to Bona Vista Condos. Finally, they moved to the Christian Rest Home where at that time Marilyn resided in the Ritzema unit memory care unit. Bob lived in the Edison Manor but looked forward to his daily visits with Marilyn.During this time she loved having the Bible read to her, and she enjoyed visiting with her nieces and nephews. Her nieces, Mary and Ruth, were helpful to her and Bob in many ways for the last several years. Marilyn’s faith continued to be a cornerstone, and she loved hearing all the church hymns. As her health declined, Marilyn moved to the nursing section of the Christian Rest Home.

Gracious and with a quiet spirit, Marilyn Potts was such a blessing to those around her. She was dedicated to her faith in a way that wasn’t overbearing or boisterous, and in so doing she was a witness to many others. Marilyn could be feisty at times, but only when it came to things she was passionate about. Deeply loved, she will be forever remembered.

Marilyn L. Potts, aged 84, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2018 at the Christian Rest Home. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mildred “Millie” Markus. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Robert Potts; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ray (Dorothy) Potts, Joseph (Helen) Potts; special nieces, Mary (Jim) Ruissen and Ruth (John) James; other nieces, nephews and friends. Marilyn was a longtime member of Westview Christian Reformed Church. The family would like to thank the staff of the Christian Rest Home for the love and care given to Marilyn and her family these past years. A service to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held on Monday, August 20 at 11:00 am at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Washington Park Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Christian Rest Home. To read more about Marilyn’s life, to leave your own memory of her and to sign her guest book, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com