Anna Mae Potter (Cade)

Our beautiful mother, Anna Mae Potter (Cade), passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025—a day already meant for remembrance, and now forever marked by the memory of a life so deeply cherished. She earned her rest at the remarkable age of 98, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on February 22, 1927, in Coin, Iowa, Anna Mae was the second of six children of John and Martha (Johnson) Cade. Her childhood, filled with love, hard work, and laughter, laid the foundation for the incredible woman she would become. In 1948, she married Charles Benjamin “Ben” Potter and together they had three children: Linda, Gwen, and Ken.

She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Ben Potter; her sisters Letha Evelyn “Sissy” (Luther) Campbell, Norma “Jean” (Tom) Randle, and Mary Lou “Louie” (Lloyd) Flippin; as well as her beloved granddaughter, Annie Lynn Potter.

A remarkably creative artist and a ‘wanna-be’ carpenter, Anna Mae had a gift for bringing joy, beauty, and love into any space she entered. Her hands could build, create, and comfort—but it was her heart that truly made her the center of the family. She led not with force, but with unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and boundless love. She was the glue that held generations together. Above all, her greatest masterpiece was the life she built around her family. Her ultimate skill was her wholehearted devotion to her family, one and all.

Anna Mae spent 30 impactful years with Allstate Insurance Company, where her strong work ethic, warmth, and unwavering reliability left a lasting impression on both colleagues and customers. She retired in 1991, having built a legacy of professionalism and kindness that continued to inspire long after her departure.

She is survived by her three children, who were her pride and joy: Linda (Tom) Tessar, Gwen Potter, and her baby boy Ken (Sue Hall). Also surviving are her brothers Bill (Jean) Cade and Joe (Dena) Cade; her cherished grandchildren Jennifer (Patrick) Mann, Kelley Jo (Greg) Stitt, and Cary (Audrey) Tessar; cousin Millie Hart; and sister-in-law Sue Miller. Anna Mae’s legacy continues through a large and loving family: eleven great-grandchildren—McKenzie (Lucas), Kelsey, Janelle, Dustin, Dylan, Johnny, Tyler, Madi, Mason, Oscar, and Elliot; one great-great-grandchild Vincent; and countless nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Each carries a piece of her spirit and warmth.

We loved her deeply. We were loved by her fully. And we are all better for the love, laughter, and life she shared with us.

May she rest in the love and peace she so richly deserved.

A graveside memorial service will be held on:

Friday, June 6, 2025,

1:00 p.m. at Clarinda Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Walker-Merritt Funeral Home prior and proceed together to the cemetery.

Memorial Service to be held:

Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Location:

The Chapel at

Colonial Presbyterian Church,

9500 Wornall Rd, KCMO 64114