Margaret Ann Potter

Margaret Ann Potter, 82, of Glasgow, Montana passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on June 15, 2025.

Grandma was born October 30, 1942 to Earnest and Julia Belbeck Riley in Rock Glen, Saskatchewan. At the age of two she and her family moved to Ft. Peck, Montana and later to Nashua, Montana. She had fond memories of the family farm in Rock Glen and frequently traveled to Canada to visit family and friends. Grandma and her sister, Sharon, always had a full agenda scheduled for our family reunions in Canada or in Montana. She was very proud when she was granted U.S. citizenship.

Grandma attended school in Nashua, Montana where she enjoyed learning to sew and attending home economics and science class. Here she developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

In 1958 Grandma married the love of her life Don Potter just six months after their first date. They shared 61 wonderful years of marriage before Grandpa’s passing in 2020.

Side by side they raised three children: Veronda, Sue and Ronnie. She was a wonderful mother, whom made home cooked meals and taught her kids to cook. She took sewing classes and became an accomplished seamstress, sewing late into the night while enjoying the peace and quiet. Grandma also enjoyed baking and decorating wedding cakes for many young couples around the county.

Grandma and Grandpa built a life rooted in hard work, love, family values and community. Grandma was not only a devoted mother and wife but an essential part of the family’s successful farm equipment dealership business, Town and Ranch Service Center. Grandma was very proud of her work at the Mental Health Center and was always happy helping others.

Grandma’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. Grandma enjoyed a cold Bud Light or two and laughing with her friends, she always a good time. She loved camping and spending time at the lake. Grandma held fond memories of her time spent with her bowling friends and always looked forward to her Badland Biddies group. She was also a long time member of the Soroptimist and looked forward to the Block of Bucks. Grandma was an active member of the United Methodist Church. My Grandma was a caring person who always made it a priority to stay connected with friends.

According to Grandma her favorite title was that of Grandma and Great Gram, she didn’t miss an opportunity to spend time with grandchildren. Grandma spent many hours in the passenger seat of their blue Buick car attending their grandkid’s various sporting events. Both her and Grandpa were known all over Eastern Montana as being their grandkids biggest fans. Grandma never passed up an opportunity to hold a baby and always had a good rocking chair at home.

She is survived by her brother Wayne (Sharon) Riley, children: Veronda (Craig) Biggart, Sue (Shawn) FitzGerald, and Ronnie (Debbie) Potter; grandchildren: Brady (Matt) Brooks, Megan (Dustin) Panktraz, Jonathan (Courtney) FitzGerald, Rowena FitzGerald (Keith Milton), Olivia (Luke) Wood, Nick (Kelsie) Stamper, and Jenna Stamper (Jeremy Henderson); great-grandchildren: Bridger and Houston Brooks, Cooper, Wylie and Augustus Pankratz, Taryn, Landon and Peyton FitzGerald, Sophia and Carson Stamper.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Ernest and Julia Belbeck Riley, father and mother-in-law Orville and Rowena Potter, husband Don Potter, granddaughter Julia Frances Funk, brothers William and Doyle Riley, sister Sharon Ozark and brother-in-law Cecil Ozark, nephews Dewayne Ozark, Brad, Jason, and Benjamin Riley.

Grandma’s quick wit, infectious laugh and warmth left a lasting impact on everyone who had met her. She lived life to its fullest and made every occasion fun and light hearted. She always had a way of staying positive and making everyone feel welcome. Grandma will be greatly missed by many, we will continue to gather, laugh and celebrate in her honor.

Family will receive friends Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Bell Mortuary from 4-6:00 p.m.  Funeral service will be Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rick Thompson officiating.  Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Montana.  A time of sharing of memories and fellowship will follow the services at the Glasgow Elk's Lodge.  Condolences may be left online for the family at bellmortuarymt.com.