Barbara R. Potter

Barbara R. Potter of Loudon, 82 years young, died Friday, June 14th following a brief illness. She passed in the love and warmth of her beloved husband and daughter.

Barbara was born in Boston, MA October 5, 1936 to Albert and Gladys (Biggs) Rodd. She was raised in Hudson, NH and attended Alvirne High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Floyd. The two were married shortly after graduation and relocated to Germany where Floyd was stationed with the US Army. During Floyd's time in the service, he and Barbara traveled extensively throughout Europe, and upon Floyd's honorable discharge from the military, returned to the states a few years later to raise their growing family. They resided in a few towns on the seacoast, eventually settling down in Newport. Barbara spent several years as a loving homemaker before beginning a successful career in accounting with Sturm Ruger which spanned nearly 25 years. Eventually Floyd left his career in law enforcement to join Barbara at Sturm Ruger and the two retired together on the very same day. In retirement, they purchased homes in North Carolina and Florida, and traveled between the two states until life circumstances brought them back home to New Hampshire in 2015.

Barbara had a seemingly endless well of love she drew from, happily doting on her husband and children and never encountering a person she didn't like. She adored cats, and though she had to say goodbye to Lucy, her cherished companion of over 20 years, just weeks before her own passing, she and Floyd still had enough love in their hearts to adopt Tommy, an 18lb senior cat, from the ASPCA. She was the best mother, grandmother, and friend anyone could ever ask for, and her marriage was the stuff of fairy tales. Always inseparable, Barbara and Floyd shared all the same hobbies and passions; whether it be snowmobiling and riding motorcycles, or painstakingly restoring and showing vintage Corvettes, they tackled life's challenges and joys side by side. They were described by friends as soulmates and their deep and abiding love was apparent to everyone around them.

Barbara is survived by her husband and best friend of 64 years, Floyd Sheldon Potter, Jr.; her son, Steven Potter of NC; her daughter, Cathy Thomas and husband, Peter, of GA; brother, David Rodd and wife, Sue, of TX; brothers-in-law, Dick Potter and wife, Holly of FL and Bob Potter and wife, Jane of FL and VT; granddaughter, Ariel Potter; and many dear friends.

There will be no services. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is assisting the family with arrangements.