Renita Joy Potts

Renita Joy Potts, 62, of Rocky Boy, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Benefis Medical Center in Great Falls after a short, hard-fought battle with cancer. Wake services will begin at noon on Friday, July 25, 2014, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rocky Boy, and will continue until her traditional funeral service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Burial will follow in the Eagleman Family Cemetery. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements, and you can leave your memories and condolences for the family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Joy was born on Feb. 28, 1952, in Fort Belknap, Montana, to Paul and Mary Jane (Writing Bird) Eagleman, and was raised in Rocky Boy. She graduated from Box Elder High School in 1970, and attended Northern Montana College for a couple of years, majoring in education.  She married Dennis Potts in 1971, and moved to Hobbema, Alberta, Canada. While in Hobbema, Joy raised her family while working as an administrative professional for the Four Nations Band of Maskwacis, Alberta, for many years.  The family lived in Maskwacis until 2006, when they moved to Rocky Boy. 

Joy was a gentle, caring woman with a great sense of humor. She loved to celebrate life, especially birthdays and holidays. Joy enjoyed playing Bingo, but she loved family gatherings. Being surrounded by her grandchildren was the light of her life. She was a very hospitable woman who loved to care for her visitors, and was very giving who was willing to help feed those in need. She was a very strong woman who was outspoken when the situation called for it, however she made life-long friends wherever she went. One of her great joys in life was owning fine automobiles.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Potts in 1977; her third husband, Ronald Baptiste in 1995; her son, Donovan Potts in March 2014; her grandson, Kree Potts in 2001; her parents, Paul and Mary Jane Eagleman; her siblings, Stanley, Gary, Leurita, Faith, Paulette, and Cynthia Eagleman; and many beloved relatives.

She is survived by her children, John (Jolene Saddleback) Potts, Coby (Shawna) Potts, and  Paula (Justin Eagle) Potts, all of Maskwacis, Alberta, Waylon Potts, Florencine (Josh Johnson) Potts, and Wyatt (Raeanne Omeasoo) Potts, all of Rocky Boy; her 24 grandchildren; her 7 great-grandchildren; her great-great-granddaughter; her second husband, John Meyers of Rocky Boy; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.