Deanne Marie Potter was born November 14, 1961 in Topeka, Kansas, daughter of Paul and Dona (Carroll) Vondracek. She was raised in the Anthony area, being baptized and confirmed in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church as a child. She graduated from Chaparral High School in 1979.


After graduating, Deanne worked at Gibson's in Anthony. In the mid 90's, she began working at Grene Vision in Anthony as an optometry assistant. She enjoyed her work there for 15 years before her health forced her to retire. Growing up on a farm, Deanne had a love for farming and being outdoors. She worked long hard hours with her dad on the family farm, helping with whatever was needed. Throughout the years she completed several college courses.


Deanne was a very proud, loving, caring mother to Cassie, Bryson and Wesley. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, taking pictures, and most of all spending time with her family. She had a kind heart, warm soul and a personality of gold. No matter where she went, she always met new people and made new friends. Her prized possession was her 1968 Camaro she purchased when she was 18.


On December 4, 2017, Deanne passed away at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 56 years and 21 days. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dona.


Deanne will be deeply missed by her children: Cassie Teel and husband, Coleman, Bryson Potter and fiancé, Rachel Demiris, and Wesley Hawel; her father, Paul Vondracek; sisters: Darla Smith and husband, Steve, and Jeannie Van Ness and husband, Randy; brothers: Gregory Vondracek, Stephen Vondracek and James Vondracek; one grandchild, Coleman Teel Jr.; and a host of other relatives and many, many friends.


Funeral Mass was 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Anthony, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community with celebrant, Father Michael Peltzer. Debbie Francis served as lector. Musical selections "Prayer of St. Francis", "Ave Maria", "Song of Farewell" and "Amazing Grace" were performed by cantor, Bob Tedder and accompanist, Kay Troyer. Recorded music selections, "I'll Fly Away" and "Life's A Dance" were played.


Interment was held at the Spring Grove Cemetery west of Anthony with honorary casket bearers: Eric Ridge, Michael Potter, Coleman Teel and Greg Vondracek. Active casket bearers were Wesley Hawel, Randy Van Ness, Zachary Van Ness, Randy Ryan, Keith Corderman and Jim VanWalleghen.


Memorials in memory of Deanne may be made to any Cancer Charity of the Donor's Choice and may be sent in care of the funeral home.


Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.