Sheryl Ruth Potter, 58, lifelong resident of Lawrence, Ks, passed away unexpectedly September 3, 2023.
If you knew Sheryl well, you knew what it was to be loved. The overriding theme of Sheryl’s life was to honor and appreciate those who were important to her. She was the keeper of the family history, able to tell stories of forgotten but fateful events from the lives of those important people. Although this storytelling ability was well known to the people around her, you could count on being surprised by the recollection.
Getting married to John Denney in October of 2000 was the best day of Sheryl’s life and their life together provided a deeper bond each day. For two people differently skilled God provided each of them with the necessary love, patience and joy in each other to capitalize on the strengths they each had to create a supportive and fun life for them both, allowing them to live more independently and fully than either might on their own.
Sheryl was a creator, not just of her fulfilling life, but also as an artist. Art gave her solace, and she created in as many mediums as she was able. Her favorite subject was rainbows and joy came in sharing her creations with those she loved. Shirley, a member of her staff with Cottonwood was her anchor. Sheryl discussed her desires, plans and decisions and together they would make a plan to develop the resources to meet her goals. One of her shining accomplishments was her art exhibition at Alterra. This opportunity was provided due to the relationship she had created with them thru the work she performed with pride as an “outside” job obtained thru her Cottonwood connections. Sheryl also loved gardening, each spring scouring the town with her sister Stacy and caregivers Jean and Delilah to find the most unique plants, pots, tiles and trinkets to build a colorful pathway to her front door.
Sheryl leaves behind her husband John Denney, brother and sister in law Lynn and Nancy Potter, sister and brother in law Stacy and Dru Rachaner, step mother Marie Galluzzi Potter, brother and sister in law Jim and Sandy Denney , many cousins, nieces and nephews and her extended family at Cottonwood. She is preceded in death by her parents Don and Allois Potter, brother Doug and son Christopher. Goodbye Sheryl, you will be missed and thank you Cottonwood for enriching her life.
Visitation is Thursday evening, September 7, 6-7 pm at Rumsey Yost funeral home, 601 Indiana. Graveside service and interment at Oak Hill Cemetery Friday September 8th at 10am and a Celebration of Life at Cottonwood Industries Courtyard at a later date.
I knew Sheryl as a student and a Consumer. She always did the best she could for anyone she knew. She had a bigger heart than she realized. There are too few like her.
Sheryl lived every day in joyful anticipation of what the future would bring. She loved John, her support staff, her family, and her life. We will miss her light.
I enjoyed working with Sheryl as a part-time Cottonwood nurse visiting her & John at their home during COVID. I always enjoyed our visits her positive attitude & joy for life. May you rest in peace, Sheryl.
My late husband, Doug, worked with Sheryl at the Cottonwood workshop and later, we worked with Sheryl at Roger’s Place. She had a big personality and kept things interesting. I know she will be missed. My condolences to the family.
I worked with Sheryl for numerous years at Cottonwood. She always put a smile on my face, especially when she was talking about her artwork or John. I could always count on her to make sure that the Starbursts were stocked in the vending machine. Sheryl was a joy to be around and will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.
Sheryl and John was my first residential that I worked for a few years. Sheryl was funny and kept me laughing a lot. Her affection for others showed and she was very much loved. I will miss her a lot as well as her other Cottonwood family. RIP Sheryl
I can remember Sheryl from Central jr high she was a loving person kind had a heart of gold their so much I can say she may not stranger she will live on in our hearts also smiling on us