Ella Juanita Poteet

Ella Juanita Poteet of Lamar, Colorado departed this life Monday, March 9, 2009, at Southeast Colorado Hospital in Springfield, Colorado after a long battle with cancer. She was 76 years old. Juanita, as she was known to everyone, was born July 24, 1932, in rural Baca County, CO the fifth child of Ralph Eugene and Lillie Lavina (Griffitts) Bechtle. She had three brothers and two sisters. She attended several country schools and graduated from Springfield High School in Springfield, CO in May 1950. Upon graduation she went to Barnes School of Business in Denver, CO and received a business degree. Juanita married Harold (Sonny) Banks and to this union three children were born. A daughter, Nancy Carolyn (Harlin) Nusser of Springfield, CO; a son, Grant Edward (Roni) Auburger of Denver, Colorado; and a daughter, Theresa Renee Osbment of Brighton, Colorado. She is also survived by six grandchildren including Preston (Sharlene) Nusser, Kelly (Tonya) Nusser, Randi Lea Nusser, Jeffrey (Sandi) Auburger, Chelsi (Ryan) Reimer, and Devin Osbment; five great greanchildren including Morgan and Dalton Nusser, Bryce Moses and Keyen Nusser, and Cody Auburger; one sister, Mildred Irene Powell of Canon City, CO; one brother, James Melvin (Judy) Bechtle of Hartsel, CO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Lavina Bechtle; two brothers, Charles Edward Bechtle and Wayne Robert Bechtle; one sister, Thelma Marie Chenoweth; two granddaughters, Tish Ann Turner and Brooke Renee Auburger; five nephews, two nieces, and three former husbands. She loved to sew, read, knit, crochet, and fish. Juanita was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed by her relatives and many friends. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Southeast Colorado Cancer Initiative, P.O. Box 727, Lamar, CO 81052.