Barbara Ann (Bell) Potts of Lee, Maine passed away peacefully at her home in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Amazingly, she nearly made it to the grand age of 88, which she credited to a diet of beer, crackers, and… well, whatever else was around to snack on.
Born on March 29, 1932 to Thelma Louise Bryant and Reginald “Rex” Bell, Barbara – or Barb, attended Lincoln, Maine schools, graduating from Mattanawcook Academy in 1950. She received an associate degree in secretarial studies from Husson College in 1952.
On Easter Sunday 1954, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Potts, at the Congregational Church in Lincoln. Little did she know she pretty much married every other member of the Potts family as well that day, and over the next 20 years, they started a family, bought a home, Barb wrecked a few cars, and, together with Ken’s six siblings and their families, made amazing, lifelong memories. Whether it was in and around their hometown of St. Anne, Illinois or family excursions at Paul Lake in Minnesota, these experiences instilled in Barbara a deep sense of family belonging. To Barb, family was everything, and she was forever grateful for the love and acceptance Ken’s family showed to her from day one.
In 1973, Barbara and Kenny (yes, they were the original Barbie and Ken) threw caution to the wind and set out for the Pine Tree State – Maine – to start anew. With four kids and two dogs in tow, they had all of their belongings stolen along the way, landing on a small plot of land in Lee, much the same way the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.
“Triple L Acres” is where Barb spent the rest of her life on earth, turning a giant empty field into a garden oasis. Over the years, Barb used her not-so-perfect but always-got-the-job-done carpentry skills to build a room addition, a car port, a three car garage, several decks, a gazebo by the pool… oh, and a two-room chicken house. She also converted Ken’s former pallet mill, also on the property, to a Guest House. You’ve heard the phrase, ‘She never met someone she didn’t like.’? Well, in Barb’s case, she never met a power tool she didn’t like – and she had them all. In fact, if there is one silver lining in Barb’s passing, it’s that her son, Steve, can finally get the tools back that she “borrowed”.
Barb tended nearly four acres of manicured lawns and property and could often be seen by neighbors and passers-by riding her lawn tractor (or her golf cart) around the property. “My two favorite men are John and Bud – John Deere and Bud Light,” she would say. Indeed, her green thumb inspired many visitors over the years, and Triple L Acres became a place where everyone was welcome and memories were made. Just come knowing Barb wasn’t going to feed you.
Normally in bed by 7 pm, on summer weekends she could be found listening to Country Gold Saturday Night or singing karaoke under the canopy by her back-yard fire pit, surrounded by family and friends. Dressed to the nines or mucking around her back yard in her boots on her golf cart, she was always the same sunny, hilarious, pragmatic, honest, straight-talker everyone knew and loved.
Aside from picking up jobs as a talented seamstress, Barbara served as the Lee Town Secretary for many years, as well as Town Clerk. She was a dedicated volunteer to several local causes including Lee Historical Society and Lee Academy.
Barbara is survived by four children who adored her: daughter Laura Jayne Potts of Argyle; Bryant Stephen Potts and daughter-in-law, Carole, of Lee; daughter Julia Delano and her husband, Byron, of Lincoln; and son Robert “Bob” Potts of Old Town. She cherished her grandchildren and their spouses (just don’t ask her to babysit!) who include Jeremy Potts and wife, Kris, of Great Falls, Montana; Nicholas Potts and wife, Meghan, of Windham; Benjamin Delano of Houlton; Hannah Roundy and husband, Matt, of Bangor; Jacob Potts and wife, Katie, of Argyle; and Emily Potts of Tampa, Florida. Her beloved great-grandchildren include Taylor Potts of Helena, Montana; Claire and Natalie Roundy of Bangor; and Bryant and Eliana “Ellie” Potts of Windham.
In addition to her loving family, Barb leaves behind a ton of stuff her family doesn’t know what to do with, so heads up to Goodwill and Salvation Army: a large shipment is coming your way.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Ken, her dear sister Betty (McCafferty) Goodwin, and very special friends Polly Webster, Pat Blake, and Gail Rae.
Barbara was a person of strong faith, and is no doubt already tending to God’s beautiful garden. She was also a great supporter of veteran’s causes. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to Travis Mills Foundation, 747 Western Avenue, Manchester, ME 04351, or to First Congregational Church of Lincoln, 19 School Street, Lincoln, ME 04457.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Lincoln Congregational Church, 19 School Street, Lincoln. Memorial at 5 pm with reception to immediately follow, also at the church. Guests are encouraged to wear red or black, Barb’s two favorite colors.
My life is but a memory, my absence silent grief. I sleep in God’s beautiful garden in the sunshine of perfect peace.