Ruth A. Potter

On Saturday, March 19, 2022, Ruth A. Potter passed away peacefully at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center with her family by her side.
Ruth was born in Morrison, IL on September 11, 1927 to Simon and Jennie (Balk) Zuidema.  She grew up on a farm with her four sisters and six brothers.  Ruth lost her father at a young age which was difficult, but she was a very industrious person and worked full time while attending high school to help support her family.

Ruth married Fay Dewey Potter in June of 1953 in Freeport, IL.  They moved to Rockford in 1982 where they owned and managed the Valencia Apartments for over 20 years.  Ruth also worked for several years as a waitress at Marshall Fields.  Her family has fond memories of attending the Saturday breakfast with Santa Clause during the Christmas season while Ruth was working.

Ruth loved flower gardening, and always had beautiful flowers in her yard.  She and her husband also shared a love of feeding and watching the birds in their yard.  Ruth enjoyed playing cards and socializing with dear friends.  For many years she and her husband enjoyed hosting card club.  Ruth also enjoyed traveling and spent time in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Mexico as well as most of the 50 states.  

Ruth was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Those left to honor Ruth’s memory include her children, Kregg (Debbie) Potter, Bruce (Marcella) Potter, Phillip (Dawn) Potter and Sandra (John Michelsen) Pouleson; grandchildren, Amy (David) Loner, Sara Potter, Brittany (Guy) Le Gal, Brock Potter, Sabrina Pouleson, Royce (Kathy) Pouleson and Brooke Potter; great-grandchildren, Andrina and Elliana Loner and Grayson Le Gal. Ruth is predeceased by her parents, husband Fay and siblings.

Private services will be held. Final resting place in Wyoming Cemetery, Paw Paw, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully appreciated in Ruth’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com