Nila Potter

Nila M. Potter, 69, of Faulkton passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Faulkton Senior Living.

A celebration of life will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2022 a Our Savior Lutheran Church, Faulkton with Pastor LaShea Avery presiding.

Nila Marie Miedema Barnes Potter was born in Huron, SD on February 15, 1952, to Robert and Ida (Meyers) Miedema.  She grew up on a farm near Broadland.  One of six children, two older brothers, Harley and Larry, and three younger sisters, Gloria, Charlene, and Mary.  She attended Broadland Elementary until 1966, when it closed, then graduated from Wolsey High School in 1970.  Nila said she had a happy and blessed childhood.  Nila used her graduation money to take Certified Nurse Assistant classes at the hospital in Huron, working as a CNA for over 30 years. 

Nila met her first husband, Richard Barnes, in March 1972 at a Bill Glass Crusade through the church youth group.  They were married in August 1972.  They resided in Miller, SD, where their three children, Sylvia, David, and Rachel were born.  Richard attended Nazarene Bible College in 1980.  Nila worked alongside him for many years as a Pastor’s wife.  She stated she was very thankful to have dedicated her life to Christ.  She had a very important experience that made her know Jesus (God) was real and not to fear!  In 1971, Nila gave her first daughter up for adoption.  In 2002 they were reunited on Christmas Day.  She and Rebecca Weber, her first born, enjoyed good times, letters, and phone calls.  Nila met her second husband, Thomas Potter, at a Weber family reunion in Michigan.  They were married in September 2005.

Nila was diagnosed with Kidney failure in 2002 through the “All Women Count” program.  It was determined she needed a kidney transplant.  She received a kidney transplant in 2009 and was very grateful to the family of the young man whose kidney she received.

Nila entered the Faulkton Meadows Assisted Living in November 2016.  She enjoyed puzzle making, sewing (she made her wedding gown), quilting, reading, and being a homemaker.  She loved her family very much, along with all the people in the Faulkton community and many friends and family, near and far.  She was a very giving person, and shared everything with others, especially her love of Jesus.

She is survived by her four children:  Becky (Mark) Miller, Sylvia (JD) Anderson, David (Theresa) Barnes, and Rachel (Chris) Miller; 11 grandchildren:  Adam (Bailee), August, Aidalisa Anderson, Caleb, Luke, Calli, Nathan Barnes, Noelle (Casey), Naomi Miller, and Alex (Valery), Melody Breckenfelder; 3 great-grandchildren:  Brynlee, Willow, Oaklynn Anderson; her siblings and their families. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; and grandson Andrew Ruiz.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Nila’s arrangements.