Larry Van Potts, 76 of the Rhea Community left this world on November 3, 2021 in Friona. Viewing was held Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 1:00 PMto 8:00 PM in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY WITH Celebration of Life Graveside Services scheduled for 11:00 AM Monday, November 8, 2021 at the Friona Cemetery with burial following by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Larry was born February 20, 1945 in Clovis, N.M. to Helen and Cordie Potts. He grew up on the family farm in the Rhea Community 20 miles from Friona, Tx learning the farm business from his dad. He attended Friona ISD where he graduated in 1963. He then moved back home and attended a semester at Eastern New Mexico State University in Portales, NM. His brother Jay thought the only class he passed was Dairy Science. Larry then went on to pursue his career as an auctioneer. He graduated in 1965 from Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, Montana.
Larry returned home to farm and began his auction business specializing in farm sales. He announced rodeos and loved supporting the youth and auctioning at the local stock show for many years. He always made it fun.
In 1969 Larry married Judy Shirley and they raised their three children on the family homestead. Larry was an amazing dad and family was important to him. He enjoyed spending time with his children. He ensured that there were always family vacations where special memories were made. Larry was all about teaching life lessons and work ethic to his kids. They started learning all about money, running concession stands for the farm sales and they all knew how to run the register and count back change at an early age.
In 1975 Larry expanded his agri-business endeavors by going into the hog business. He did this because he wanted a monthly income instead of just two checks a year from crops. Larry was a man of many talents. He enjoyed his time announcing rodeos, roping, raising sheep and cattle and horses, racing grey hounds, painting as well as sponsoring local softball and volleyball teams.
In 1984 Larry quit farming and became a business owner in Friona Texas. He opened a gun shop, Potts Gun and Ammo. He later expanded and renamed the business Potts Manufacturing which is currently known as Friona Metal Sales. You could always count on him for a lot of things, whether it be weld you up an important part to your tractor or pull you out of a ditch (his girls may have given him a lot of practice in this area).
He was very outgoing and had the personality to make friends no matter the situation. He never met a stranger. One thing you could count on him for was a good story, with enough wit about him to keep you on your toes and an extra dose of humor in there because he always liked to put a smile on your face. He was patient, kind, optimistic and was always in good spirits.
He was a great man whose impact will forever be felt by the family that loves him dearly.
Larry is proceeded in death by his parents, Cordie and Helen Potts, and sister Marilyn Moore.
Larry will be dearly missed by his wife Judy and 3 children; daughter Tonya Harmon and husband John Harmon of Idalou, Texas, daughter Tammi Burney and husband Blair Burney of Santa Rosa, NM, and son Ty Potts of Friona Tx, 4 grandkids, Paige, Kane, Cash Burney and Brannon Harmon, his brother Jay and wife Krita Potts and many nieces and nephews.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at: hansardfamily.com
Betty Thompson, 73 of Friona passed away November 5, 2021 in Friona. Viewing was held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with family visitation from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 9, 2021 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY. Celebration of Life Service were scheduled for 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church of Friona with Rev. Brett Hoyle and Pastor Robert Kerby, officiating. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Betty was born May 16, 1948 in Dequeen, Arkansas to Alvin Price and Retha Benningfield Knowles Price. Betty was active in the Pentecostal Church for many years as she loved and served her Lord and Christian faith. She later married the earthly love of her life Darell Thompson on February 14, 1980.
Betty loved spending time with her family, especially during the holidays. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving because all of the family was blessed to be together. She very much enjoyed playing games and loved Friday with her card playing friends. Times not with family and friends, Betty could often be found on her lawnmower and working in the yard, as she loved the outdoors.
She is preceded in death by her father-Alvin Price, husband-Darell Thompson, 1 son-Jimmy Williams, and 1 great-grandson Aden Adams.
Those to carry on her legacy include her mother-Retha Knowles of Friona, 2 daughters-Tonda Clark and husband Rondee of Friona, Kathy James and husband Pat of Happy, 2 sons-Dustin Thompson and wife Marcia of Friona, and Bobby Thompson of Howe, Texas and fiancé Shelly Crabtree, 2 sisters-Shirley Osborn and husband Teddy of Friona, and Wanda Maxwell of Clovis, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at: hansardfamily.com
Maria Monarrez Castro, 87 of Friona passed away November 5, 2021 in Friona. Viewing was held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday, November 8, 2021 with Rosary Services beginning at 6:00 PM in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY. Mass of Christian Burial Services were held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Friona with Father Gregory Bunyan as Celebrant. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Maria was born September 6, 1934 in Santa Maria del Oro, Durango, Mexico to Concepcion and Ana Cirila Aguirre Monarrez.
She was a great mother and grandmother that loved to cook, needle point and crochet. Maria was a lifetime member of the Catholic Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 48 years Maximiliano Castro Salas, 1 son- Abelardo Castro, 1 daughter-Micaela Casas, 2 brothers-Pablo Monarrez and Dario Gallegos.
Those to mourn Maria's passing include- 5 daughters-Nellie Aronce and husband David, Margarita Carranza and husband Santos, all of Friona, Ernestina Sierra and husband Jose of Las Nieves, Durango, Mexico, Mariade Jesus Moreno and husband Jose of Farwell, Maria de La Paz Castro of Clovis, and 1 son-Benjamin Castro and wife Sylvia of Rule, 27 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at: hansardfamily.com