William D. Potts (AKA: Grampa, Grampa Bill, Grampa Pete and Big PaPa, Pop), age 89, of Rosebud passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Rosebud HealthCare Center in Forsyth.
Dad was born August 19, 1926 at Sumatra, Montana. He was born the youngest son of a family of seven to Adella and James Potts. Bill was raised in the Sumatra area and attended school at the Hibber Creek School until his family moved to the Custer area, where he went to school through the 6th grade. He quit school to help his parents and to work for farmers and ranchers in the area.
After attending a dance in Pompey Pillar and going home, he stopped to help pull a car out of the mud and met the love of his life, Betty Strong. They were married on September 29, 1948 in Billings, Montana. To this union five children were born: David (Cherri), Bonnie (Dave), Diana (Glenn), Darrell (Carol) and Larry.
Bill worked on several farms and ranches and finally moved to Forsyth in 1962 to work for the Lee Ranch until 1972 when he bought his own farm. In 1978 he started a new venture of the P&R Trucking. He was able to travel the entire United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In 1980, Dad and Mom sold the farm and moved into Rosebud. They continued to truck until 1988, when they sold his trucks. He managed and drove school buses for the Rosebud Schools from 1988 to 1992. Dad continued to work, haying for David and trucking grain and beets for farmers in the area. At the age of 85 years he decided that he could no longer do Beet Harvest.
One of the highlights of his childhood was driving with his mother to Chicago to see his grandparents and to attend the World Fair. Other highlights include the birth of each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with visiting with his nieces and nephews.
Survivors include 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great- grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Betty in 2003; son Larry in 1979; son-in-law Glenn Robinette in 2008; granddaughter Glynnda Jean in 1979; his parents and all of his brothers and sisters.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday September 16, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday September 17, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, MT 59327
Graveside Service
12:00 pm
Thursday September 17, 2015
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday September 16, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday September 17, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, MT 59327
Graveside Service
12:00 pm
Thursday September 17, 2015
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Bill’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in Bill’s passing. It is our prayer that you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. May warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow. We deeply regret that we will be unable to attend his funeral. We are leaving Wednesday for Oregon.
Denise says
My sincerest condolences on your recent loss. Jesus taught that all those in the memorial tombs woukd be resurrected. (John 5:28). We can be assured that our loved ones are in God’s memory as Isaiah 40:26 states that Gid calls the billions of stars by name.
Janet & Randy Stanhope says
We are so very sorry to hear the loss of Bill. He was truly a one of a kind person who always made me smile. He will be truly missed and we send all our prayers to the family.
Cathy and curt says
Bill was one of a kind. He always had time to visit and had lots of stories to tell.. I will miss seeing him around and visiting with him. He had a great love for his family and I am sure he is looking down at you now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe Bramhall says
Potts Family, I had the pleasure to work with Bill during sugar beet harvests for multiple years. He was always joyful and full of life. I always got a kick out of how he enjoyed his heavy right foot (loved a fast truck). Sending my condolences. Joe
Sharon Wetsch says
Potts Family.. I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He isn’t suffering anymore. Prayers and Hugs.
Connie Brown says
To the Potts Family,
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing as I know it will leave a void in your lives. He is at rest and at peace, no more pain or suffering.
May God give you each peace, my prayers are for each one of you.
Elaine Buck says
So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a great man he will be missed by many.You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Harvey Borla says
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. May Bill rest in peace. My prayers and sympathy to his entire family.
Grace Larson says
What a great man . I know you will miss him but his pain has ended and the day will come when he will be young and healthy . I am honored to have met him . With love & Prayers . Grace
Russell and Dorothy McDowell says
So many memories of Uncle Billy he was very special and he will be missed so much.
God Bless each of you. Your family has been such good examples in caring for him and
you are in our Thoughts and Prayers. Regret that we won’t be able to attend the funeral
he attended so many others.
Our Love for each of you as we Remember what a wonderful Father he was.
Thelma and Jim Beyl says
We are extending our sincere sympathy to the Potts family at this time of sorrow.
brigittharms says
Sending Prayers to all of you our depest sympathy. He will be mist I remeber when he drove the schoolbus my kids got in trouble he told them about it in his stern fouse bud gave me that Potts smile A good Man. R.I. P. Bill
Walt and Brigitte Harms
Jack and Julia Ferguson says
Sorry for the loss of your loved one prayers to the family. Bill will be missed
minnie CUTLER says
I am so sorry for loss but I did have the pleasure of caring for him he was a gentle man
Vince & Darlene says
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We hope all of your warm loving memories will help you in your grief.
Our deepest sympathy is with you all.
Harriet & Veryl Jansen says
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Knew the Potts family for many years. May you keep all of your memories close at heart. He will be missed by lots of people who knew him. Sorry we will be unable to attend the funeral.
martha allison says
So sorry for your loss
Marlin Hanson says
My condolences to Bill’s Family. I have a lot of great memories of Bill when he and Glenn were leased to Getter Trucking. He was a good man.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Potts Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We sure enjoyed visiting with your Dad.
Darla Anderson says
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing , Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Keep all the good times close to your heart.
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Dave and Cheri, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. It is so hard to lose our parents, no matter how old we get. Keep all those memories close, they are so precious.
Beaver & Pam Carey says
Dave – so sorry to read about the passing of your father – it is so hard to lose our parents. Beaver and I extend our sympathy and prayers to you, Cherri, and the rest of your family.
Julie Matt says
Darryl and Carol,
Even though I did not know your dad, I feel that I know both of you through our phone conversations. Please know that I have both of you in my prayers, and our Lord will see both of you through these hard times.