Rita Lynn Potts

Rita Potts, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver to many, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025 at the age of 65.

She was born on March 12, 1960, a daughter to the late Marion Joe and Mildred Edith (Cahill) Haines.

Rita lived a life marked by faith, service, and love. Known for her warm spirit and generous heart, she devoted herself not only to her family but also to everyone who was blessed to know her. She was the heart of her home and a steady presence in her community.

A gifted cook, Rita was famous for her pies and home-cooked meals, which brought comfort and joy to countless family gatherings and friendships over the years. She worked as a waitress, where her kindness and cheerful nature touched the lives of those she served. She was a huge KC Chiefs fan who enjoyed gardening and canning, eating sweets, watching the Young and the Restless and the Bold and the Beautiful and cooking, She was famous for her pies. Rita was selfless and would always help out others in need and she volunteered at many different charitable functions through the years. She loved sewing and making baby blankets for many families but above all, she loved the times spent with her family.

Rita’s faith was central to her life. A godly woman, she lived her beliefs daily through compassion, humility, and steadfast devotion.

She is survived by: her husband of almost 50 years, Sam Potts of Vichy; her children Mindy Potts of Salem and Ashley Potts of Vichy; seven grandchildren, Makalya Potts, Ben Price, Jayla Crump, Braelyn Wagner, Jayse Potts, Collins Tune, and Stephanie Cope; tiny little love, Evelene and many other bonus grandchildren; two sisters, Linda Morelock and her husband Larry of Alabama and Carolyn Francis and her husband Mike of Corpus Christie, TX; two brothers, Billy Joe Haines of Rolla and Kenny Haines of Owensville; sisters-in-law, Brenda Wilson and her husband Sam of Belle, Pam Rohrer of Bland, and Jannet Potts of Highgate and many other in-laws; and her dog, Oreo as well as many extended family members and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Mildred Haines; sisters, Betty Shockley, Joanne Vandegriffe, Cindy Price and her husband Gary; brother, Jim Haines; mother and father-in-law, Floyd “Bud” and Jessie Potts; brothers-in-law Bill Potts and Paul Mercuio; sister-in-law, Robin Haines and many other in-laws; and an aunt, Naomi West.

Her legacy is one of love, faith, and care—reminders of a life well lived and deeply cherished.

Visitation for Rita will be on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Broadway Baptist Church near St. James. Interment will follow in the Highgate Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Broadway Baptist Church.