Obituary

Barbara Potter Arnold, 92, of Goodyear, Arizona died October 19, 2021 in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born April 25, 1929 to William and Rowena Buck-Friis. Barbara arrived just prior to the 1929 stock market crash and the following Great Depression. Despite the hardships of that time, she had a very happy childhood.

She met the love of her life, Jerome W. Potter, at Fresno State. He was completing his degree after serving as a WWII pilot in Europe. They married three months later, and raised four wonderful children. Sadly, Jerome died in 1984, but Barbara followed her dreams of traveling to far away places, with Africa being first on her list.

It was on the tennis courts in Lafayette, California that she met Stewart Arnold. They fell in love and married in 1991.

Barbara and Stewart retired to Goodyear, Arizona and joined the Active Adult community of Pebble Creek where she continued her athletic lifestyle of tennis, golf, and Bocce Ball.

Just like when she was raising her four children, her home was always open. She was an amazing cook and hostess for marathon card games for the ladies, which often ended in the wee hours with Biscuits and Gravy.

Barbara had a servant’s heart, often sowing her love through acts of kindness to everyone she met. She was a loving wife, mother, and beloved “Mere” to her grandchildren.

She’s completed her journey here on earth, and “Oh Boy” what a life she had.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Susan (Jim – deceased) Tearpak, sons Thomas (Julie) Potter, Rob (Carole) Potter, and Rich Potter. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband Jerome W. Potter, Stewart Arnold, daughter-in-law Brenda Potter, son-in-law Jim Tearpak, and granddaughter April Potter.

The family suggest that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are private at this time.