Fran Potts

Ethel Frances Potts "Fran" 93, of Fort Sumner NM passed away on January 17, 2026 at the Coronado Care Center in Portales, New Mexico. She was born March 8, 1932 in Uvalde, Texas to Price and Edna Love. Fran was the eleventh child of thirteen children: eleven sisters and one brother.

Fran (or Pete as she was called by her siblings) was an independent child who loved adventure.

In 1952 Fran met a young fighter pilot, Frank Keilt, who was immediately smitten. It took him awhile to convince her to go out with him, and on the first date he asked her to marry him. She said yes. And so began 18 years of adventure, moving from Texas to Alabama to Colorado, then to France, on to New Mexico and California. She was the perfect military wife, ready for the next destination.

On October 11th 1970 Fran became a widow with four children between the ages of 17 and 9. During this difficult time she navigated a new life for herself and her four children.

In September 1973 Fran’s daughter Renee set her up on a blind date for the ENMU homecoming with the dean of men who was also a widower.

The date was a success and Fran and Hershel Potts started a business together, and later married March 1,1978. Together they continued the adventures: Running a successful business, then moving to Lago Vista to a lake house, then to Midland, Fort Sumner, Houston and finally back to Fort Sumner.

Fran is preceded in death by her first husband Francis Xavier Keilt, her parents Price and Edna Love and her twelve siblings.

Fran is survived by her husband of 47 years Hershel Potts of the home in Fort Sumner, her daughter Renee Carter and husband Pow of Fort Sumner, NM, son Neil Potts and wife Marilyn of Katy, Texas, Daughter Nanette Shackelford and husband Bob of Midland Texas, Daughter Kim Robinson and husband Bryan of Richmond, Texas, Son Frank Keilt and wife Kandee of Tustin, California. Fran is also survived by 4 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1 pm to 6 pm, Thursday January 22, 2026 at Chavez Funeral Home. The celebration of Fran’s life will be at 10 am Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Fort Sumner Church of Christ, Fort Sumner, NM with Mr John Dansby officiating. Burial to follow at the Fort Sumner Cemetery with Frank Keilt, Neil Potts, Price Carter, Carter Smith, Lane Carter, and Abel Lopez serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will include Bob Shackelford, Bryan Robinson, Steve Roberts, John Dansby, Rex Anderson, and Pow Carter.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Coronado Care Center staff, Interim Hospice, and hospice nurse Alex and hospice aide Beverly for all the care and compassion given to Fran over the last few months.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Fort Sumner Church of Christ, PO Box 32, Fort Sumner, NM 88119 or Interim Hospice of Clovis, 2300 N Main St Suite 19A, Clovis, NM 88101 or the ministry of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.