Marilyn Beth Potter

Marilyn Beth Potter, age 74, of Marion, NC passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018 at her home, with her husband at her bedside. 

Marilyn was born June 6, 1944 in Port Angeles, WA to the late Harold Ranta and Zelma Hutcherson Ranta.  She was an adventurist, traveler and family oriented.  She was a hairdresser by trade and made many friends thoughout her career.  She loved the outdoors, but always had a cozy home to come back to.  Marilyn had a love of the Northwest where she enjoyed fishing, clam digging and sailing.  She even caught a 36 lb. King Salmon in 1970.  Marilyn, her husband, Ben and their son, Matt lived on a sailboat that they had refurbished.  They had many adventures and traveled many places; including living in Hawaii for one year and sailing in Canada and San Juan Islands.  North Carolina seems to be where they always returned to.  Marilyn had a great love for her family and animals.  She was like Mother Earth, always feeding everyone and she was an excellent cook.  She had a great life and was happy with her life.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her son, Matthew Benjamin Potter.

Those left behind to cherish her memories are her beloved husband of 50 years, Benjamin Potter; two sons, Paul Ranta (Elizabeth) and Gray Johansen (Kathy); three step-children, Blain Potter (Lindy), Donna Potter and Celia Potter Clark; thirteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Melody Porterfield; one brother, Dennis Ranta (Judy); one sister-in-law, Mary B. Goodman; two brothers-in-law, Daniel Potter (Marya) and Paul Potter (Susie); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Beam Funeral Service.  A Memorial Service to celebrate Marilyn’s life will follow at 3:00 PM at the funeral home. 

Those wishing to make a donation in Marilyn’s memory are asked to consider, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  donors@stjude.org