Dec. 1, 1930-June 21, 2024
Mary Ellen Hanks Potter, 93, passed away at her home in Ivins, Utah, on June 21, 2024.
Mary Ellen was born December 1, 1930, in Teasdale, Utah, to Lena Gwen Allen Hanks and Urban Van Hanks. She was the second child born to a family of six. Mary Ellen grew up on her father’s dairy farm in Grover, Utah. Her mother passed away when she was only 13 years old. It was at this tender age that she began a role that she carried for the rest of her life as caregiver, cook and mother.
Mary Ellen attended school in Wayne County, graduating from Wayne High School, where she was a student body officer and was very active in all the fun she could possibly have had in High School. It was at Wayne High where she met the handsome D Waldo Potter from Loa, Utah. She graduated from Wayne High and attended Snow College and Bringham Young University.
Mary Ellen and D Waldo Potter were married on Sept. 21, 1951, in the Manti, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple. She was a remarkable mother of 10 children — five boys and five girls. She was a devoted wife and followed her husband’s career with the Department of Agriculture. They lived in numerous rural towns in Utah. She loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served in every organization, including as Cub Scout leader, Primary president, Young Women’s president and Relief Society president. She served with love, compassion and a firm testimony of Jesus Christ. She served two missions with her husband in Tonga and Canada. In their later years they served together in the St. George, Utah Temple.
She was proud of her pioneer heritage, and she shared many stories of pioneer faith with her children and taught them that prayer could solve anything. She was firm in her faith to the end. We mourn her loss but celebrate her wonderful life.
Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Gordon, Sterling Joseph, Maynard and Walter Hanks. She is survived by her beloved sister Raema Christensen, of Salt Lake City, Utah; her children: Van Potter (Lisa), Mark D Potter (Kayleen), Linda Hale (Cody), Matthew Hanks Potter (Carrie), Susan Anderson (Tom Olson), Gordon Potter, Julia Barney (Russ), Mabel Reedy (John), Marydee Moore (Charles) and Shawn Potter (Jenny); 41 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren, with three on the way
The family especially wants to thank Chelsey, Hailee, Sam and Dr. Scott Foster of Alliance Home Health and Hospice for their constant and loving care at the passing of our dear mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the missionary fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in your area.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 28, at 1 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel located at 15 North Main Street, Ivins, Utah. Per her wishes, no viewing will be held.
Interment will take place Saturday, June 29, at 1 p.m. at the Grover, Utah Cemetery.
Those who are unable to attend are invited to click here to view the service via Zoom.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Click here to visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.