Frances Margaret May Pottruff
Frances Margaret May Pottruff (née: Jackson) passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, August 17th, 2021 with her sons Lance and Rob by her side. Fran was born May 9th, 1924 and grew up on the Jackson farm by Lake Valley, SK with brothers Fred and Bill and sister Florence. After high school, she attended Business College in Regina, SK and worked as an Executive Assistant to Ted Kramer of Kramer Tractor, where she developed skills that would prove very useful later in life.
Fran married Ken Pottruff and they built a new farm and yard from scratch. They transformed a bare prairie field into an oasis that later included one of the first in-ground swimming pools that was enjoyed by friends and neighbours for decades. They hosted many birthday and adult parties that created lasting memories for all that attended.
Fran was very active in Lake Valley and district with activities that included the “Club 500” dances and curling at the Rowletta Civic Centre, golfing in many parts of the province in her camper van, and especially at her condo at Sarah’s Cove in Elbow, SK. She also became a teacher at Brownlee and Eyebrow High Schools and taught one of the skills she learned at business school, typing. Who knew all those “home row” exercises on the manual typewriters would later become cutting edge skills we all now need, keyboarding on our computers.
Fran instilled the love of travel into her family and travelled the world well into her 90’s. China, Japan, Africa, Australia and Europe were only some of the locations that she noted on her map, proudly hung on her office wall. But wherever she went, Saskatchewan was always proudly home.
Fran loved her family and any chance to get together as a group. She was a night owl and would be the last to leave the campfire or conversations, even in the wee hours of the morning. She didn’t want to miss a thing and was always ready to have a chat and listen to what was important to you.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ken in 1996; siblings: Fred, Bill and Flo; daughter-in-law, Verna in 1998; grandson, Brennan in 2012; and nephews, Jay in 1996 and Don in 2021. Fran is survived by her sons: Lance (Candi) and Rob (Charlene); grandchildren: Chad (Stephanie), Keith, Craig, Staci (Sean), Justin and Shelby; great-grandchildren: Ethan, Carter, Hayden, Sidney, Van and Roman; as well as many much loved nieces and nephews and their families across the country. They were all part of her love of extended family and she was never too busy for a chat or visit, no matter how long!
She and her family would like to express their sincere and deepest gratitude to the staff at Points West Retirement, as well as the Five Hills Home Care staff who provided such wonderful care and made her last few years so enjoyable.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Pastor Marvin Seaborg will officiate and interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery. Those not able to attend are invited to watch the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran’s name may be made to charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
May you Rest In Peace Fran. Thank you for the many get togethers, pool parties and just sharing your neighbourly love for friendship.
Visiting Bob & I in Laronge . You proved to Bob & Ken that you cud catch the largest fish !
Fran was a lady and she lit up any room she entered.
Thanks for being a part of my life
Our deepest sympathy to Lance, Rob and families
Our condolences go out to Lance, Rob and families. Your mom was a great lady and always had her doors open for friends and family. She will be missed by many.
Our thoughts are with you.
Jill Torgerson, Jack and Dianne Averill
Rob and family, My condolences to you on the loss of your mother. Thinking of you.
🙁
i’ll always remember going with my grandma over to Fran + Kens to swim
or summers at Palliser with grandma n mom off golfing with her.
Sorry to hear of your Moms passing, cherish your wonderful memories
To.. Rob, Lance and the Pottruff family.. I am sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to you all in the loss of an unforgettable, amazing woman…To Fran… my heart ❤️ is so heavy to lose you. You are truly the most beautiful,sweet,kind,loving woman I have known.I will always cherish our talks, laughs and special friendship, it meant the world to me. You are my guardian angel now,and I will never forget you my dearest Fran. I will miss you so much .. Love P.J.
My condolences to Lance and Rob’s family.
Fran was a classy lady and fun lady to be around.
Cherish the memories, of which there is plenty I’m sure.
My condolences to Lance , Rob and families. It was always fun when they would stop and visit on their way to Phoenix.
Some of my best memories are of your mom and mine on their golf/camping trips around the province. My thoughts are with you all.
Dear Auntie Fran,what a lady! To Lance & Rob & Families,I send you all my love & will be there tomorrow virtually. It’s been a tough year & hope for better times to come. Auntie Fran had a great life but still hard to say goodbye. Will be there in spirit tomorrow. Take care.
Thanks Arlene. It has been a challenging year and our heartfelt wishes to you as well.
The service is online next Thursday at 2 PM. The link is on the obit.
Sharon and Shelly are at Moms now if there is anything of Mom’s that you would like.
Lance, Rob and The Pottruff Family,
Your mother blessed so many people with her heart and kindness.
It’s hard to lose Auntie Fran who meant so much to all of us, and even harder that we can’t all be together to say good-bye. We want you to know we’re with you in spirit—now and in the days and weeks ahead.
Uncle Don, Bonny & Gordon, David, Courtney & Kris, Lindsie & Jarett
The Pottruff family,
Fran was a genuine, classy lady who will be missed by many. She lived a full life and added something special to everything she was a part of. She will remembered fondly by her many family and friends. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences.
My condolences Lance, Rob and family. I know how hard it is to lose your mother. Do to COVID I will be watching on the web. My prayers are with you at this time.