Mary Pottorff

Mary Elma Pottorff has gone to meet her Dear Lord, family, and friends. Mary passed away on April 3, 2019 in Casper surrounded by family. She was born August 9, 1923 to Harold W. "Bud" Clark and Louise B. (Butler) Clark in Casper, Wyoming. She grew up in Casper and graduated from N.C.H.S. in 1942. During World War II, Mary worked for the U.S. Army's Signal Corps in Chicago until she was called home by the illness of her father. Upon returning to Casper, she met and later married Captain J. Frank Pottorff in June of 1943. They traveled extensively through J's work with Morrison Knudsen Construction Company. While J. was working as an accountant on various construction projects, Mary used her spare time to teach dancing and baton lessons to the children of construction workers. Always the entrepreneur, when she and J. moved back to Casper, Mary established the Welcome Wyoming Way greeting service, which welcomed newcomers to the area with baskets of gifts from local merchants. She later opened the Holiday Specialty Shop in downtown Casper and Unique Boutique Gifts in the Ramada Inn. She also found great joy in volunteering her time: she worked with the American Heart Association, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, and helped to establish a cerebral palsy foundation in Casper. Mary taught preschool at St. Marks Church for nearly 20 years and was well into her 80s before retiring from the classroom. She loved her students and being around the children. Spending time with her family and friends was Mary's greatest passion. She loved golf, playing bridge, traveling, and an occasional glass of wine. She also enjoyed many wonderful years of friendship with her dear companion, Jim Clare. Mary attended Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with friends. She had a keen sense of humor and a great appreciation of her blessed life. She was adored by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Gene Clark; her sister, Joan Tubridy; and her beloved son, Frank Pottorff. Mary's greatest pride and joy was her family whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her daughter, Lynne Murray (Jody); granddaughters, Desire Christianson (Brian), Deena Carter (Rhodes); grandsons, Joey Murray, Scott Murray (Heather Beebout); great-grandchildren, Tehya King (Aaron), Dakota Smith (Emiy) and daughter-in-law, Barb Pottorff. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions in Mary's name to the Casper Humane Society or an organization of the donor's choice would be greatly appreciated. "Good bye and thank you one and all who have made my life so enjoyable. Love, Mary."