Phyllis Marie Shearer Potter, the oldest daughter of John Church Shearer and Gladys Alberta Burrell Shearer was born on October 30, 1927 at a relative's home near Arnold, KS. She passed away on October 23, 201 at the Rhode Island Suites in Ransom, KS at the age of 91.

Phyllis grew up on the Shearer family farm south of Arnold, KS. She helped her parents with their milk cows and other chores around the house. Phyllis had fond memories of the many family gatherings on Sundays and holidays at the Shearer home. Her Mom and many aunts taught her to be an excellent cook. The Burrell family were avid card players and she loved to play with them. Her parents always encouraged her to do her best.

She graduated from Arnold High School in 1945. She attended Fort Hays Kansas State College (now known as Fort Hays State University) where she was a member of the Theta Sigma Upsilon sorority, Y.W.C.A., W.A.A. and President of the Kappa Phi Christian organization. Phyllis graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in May 1949.

On July 19, 1949 Ross A. Potter and Phyllis Marie Shearer were married at the Shearer home near Arnold, Kansas. Phyllis taught business classes at the high school in Ransom, KS and Ross continued to farm. They lived in Ransom for a few years and then moved to their farm south of Arnold. Ross and Phyllis worked hard to grow their farm and herd of cattle. They reared their three children, Richard, Steven, and Sandra at the farm and involved them in the farming and ranching operation.

Phyllis was known for her kind heart and had many friends in the community. She was dedicated member of the Arnold United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School for many years. Her friends and family remember her sweet disposition and devotion to her family.

Phyllis was blessed with 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Some of her best times were visits from them – especially at the farm so they could play games together and fix their favorite foods such as cupcakes made from scratch.

In the late Spring of 2010, Ross and Phyllis left the farm for the Rhode Island Suites (long-term care facility) in Ransom, KS. Phyllis had several falls and was showing signs of dementia and Ross knew that they could not be separated. Their dedication and love for each other was amazing. They spent 68 years together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys Shearer, by her husband Ross, and her beloved son Steve. She leaves behind to grieve son Richard and his wife Peggy Potter of Ness City, KS; daughter, Sandra Potter of Springfield, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Reni Potter-Wood of Orlando, Florida; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Bob Mishler of Ransom, KS; Granddaughter Amanda Bardwell, her husband Tommy, great grandson Reece and great granddaughter Brynn of Orlando, Florida; Granddaughter Emily, her husband Nick, great-granddaughter Gracie, and great-grandson Lincoln of Lamar, Colorado; Grandson Ryan Potter of Jupiter, Florida; Great grandson Michael Potter of Plymouth, Michigan; many beloved nephews and nieces, dear friends, and the great staff at the Rhode Island Suites.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.