Marian POTTRUFF Obituary
View Marian POTTRUFF's complete obituary, share memories, and explore four tribute posts from the community. Four trees, flowers, or condolences have been sent in support of Marian’s family — view on guestbook.
Life Overview
Another chapter of our book has closed. Marian (née Hardaker) Pottruff was born on July 7, 1932, and passed away on October 30, 2025. She was born after my grandfather Richard Hardaker was recruited from Yorkshire, England, to work as a dye-chemist for Penman's Mills in Paris, Ontario. He married Fern Mower, a descendant of the Crysler family from Upper Canada Village. Marian and her younger sister Joan were raised in this family.
Youth and Early Career
In grade 10, Marian’s impressive typing speed caught the eye of a J.D. Adams recruiter at Paris High School. With a full-time job offer in hand, she persuaded her parents to allow her to leave school early. It was at J.D. Adams that she met Clinton Pottruff, a farmer. Their relationship was a wild west romance involving fist fights between suitors, a secret marriage, and an elopement to Florida until things settled down.
Family and Community Life
Married life was spent on a farm where Marian raised three children. She welcomed every child from Bethel to her home. As children, we were immersed in her world of books, where trips to the library were more valuable than watching television. Despite her tireless care, she never reminded us of any debts we owed her, which makes me wish I had learned more.
Legacy and Relationships
She raised us within a close-knit community where the Leach, Miller, and Davis families became an essential part of our lives.
“Not once did she remind us we owed her.”
Author’s Summary: Marian Pottruff dedicated her life to family, community, and education, leaving a legacy cherished by many close to her.
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