ELLA LOU HAWKES POTTER

Ella Lou Hawkes Potter 1/5/27 ~ 7/27/11 Ella Lou Hawkes Potter passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at the age of 84. She was born in Providence, Utah on January 5, 1927, the oldest of four children, Ella Lou, Herbert (Bud), Patricia, Nena, born to Herbert J and Lavenia Frank Hawkes. She graduated from Logan High School in 1945 and Utah State University in 1949, with a double major in Music and Elementary Education. She also graduated from Logan LDS Institute of Religion. After teaching 64 first graders in Orem, Utah, Ella Lou served for 20 months as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States Mission. Upon her return, she taught second grade at the Woodruff School in Logan. In 1953, she married Robert F. (Bob) Potter in the Logan LDS Temple. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Milwaukee, WI., where they lived for four years while Bob attended Marquette Dental School. Most of Ella Lou's focus during the majority of her life has been caring for and raising her family, including 10 children, at their home on Thrushwood Drive, in Logan. In 1982, Bob passed away, leaving her with six children still at home. She showed such strength and dignity during a difficult time. In 1997 she had the honor of representing the Cache Valley Chapter of the American Mothers, Inc., as Mother of the Year for the State of Utah. She has been an active member of the LDS Church her whole life, serving with great commitment in Stake and Ward callings as teacher, musician, leader and ward organist in the Logan 8th Ward. Ella Lou is survived by her children: Shauna (Brett) Rich, Orem; Sue (Drake) Self, Logan; Rob (Julie) Potter, Farmington; Liz (Ben) Bringhurst, Draper; Becky (Steve) Beckstead, Farmington; David (Leslie) Potter, Kaysville; Cammy (Joe) Hassan, Fruit Heights; Patti (Mark) Paul, Draper; Brooks (Daniele) Potter, Syracuse and Jon (Ashley) Potter, Fruit Heights; 48 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and her sisters, Patricia Blauer and Nena Hawkes; brother-in-law, John (Jenny) Potter, and sisters-in-law Peggy (Delon) Hunsaker and Norma Hawkes. She was preceded in death by her parents Herbert (Bert) and Lavenia Hawkes; husband Robert (Bob) Potter; brother Herbert (Bud) Hawkes; brother-in-law Thomas Potter and grandchildren, Tyson Rich and Courtney Self. Her family and friends are grateful for her wonderful example, and have been blessed to be part of her 84 years. Appreciation and gratitude are extended to Access Hospice and the many caregivers at Pheasant View Assisted Living Center in Layton. A viewing will be held Sunday evening, July 31, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center Street in Logan. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 1, 2011 at 12:00 noon, at the Mount Logan 8th Ward Chapel in Logan, 325 Lauralin Drive. Friends may visit the family at the church prior to the services from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net