Mary Louise (Armstrong) Pothoven was born August 24, 1931, to Glenn E. and Wilma (Kommer) Armstrong at home in Pella, Iowa. She peacefully passed away at home on August 18, 2026, at the age of 94.
Mary received her early education in Des Moines and Newton and moved to Pella in the 5th grade. She graduated from Pella High School in 1950. During high school, Mary worked at The Garden Square Café and The Coffee Shop. Following graduation, she worked at the Pella Rolscreen Company (Pella Corp) for one year.
On June 28, 1951, Mary was united in marriage with Duane Pothoven at the Galilee Baptist Church parsonage in Des Moines, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Deb, Tammy, and Scott.
Mary was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She always made sure everyone had whatever they needed. She loved spending time with her family, the outdoors, mowing, gardening and tending to her flowers. Mary and Duane also enjoyed riding motorcycles and square dancing together. Mary cherished the breakfasts and lunches with special friends.
Those left to cherish her memory are. . .
Her three children:
Deb Linn of Pella
Tammy (Loren) Bonnema of Pella
Scott (Sherri) Pothoven of Pella
Grandchildren: Angie Remer, Heather Linn, Tyler Linn, Breanne (Steven) Patel, Sarah (Scott) Treft, Ross (Becky) Way, Robb (Jenni) Way, Justin (Michelle) Pothoven, and Kayla Pothoven
20 Great Grandchildren
Sisters-in-law: Ruth Pothoven of Hollister, Missouri and Judith Cunningham of Camdenton, Missouri
And one niece and nephew
She was preceded in death by her husband Duane Pothoven, her parents, her parents-in-law, her sister, two brothers and four brothers-in-law.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of Pella, Tunnels to Towers, or the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
