Suzanne Thrasher

Suzanne Marie Vaughan Potts-Thrasher, 84, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Monday, September 23, 2024 in Snowflake, Arizona. Sue was born in Detroit, MI on June 1st, 1940 to Harold and Eleanor Vaughan.

She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Vaughan-Henry; children, Kelly Grapp (Ken), Tawny Austin, Paul Potts (Cheri), Bethanie Nikolaus (David), Rikki Bench (Jerry); 15 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

Sue's family finds comfort in knowing that she is reunited with those who preceded her in death including her parents, her husband, John Robert Potts, and her great-grandson Nash Chandler Nikolaus.

Sue moved with her family from Detroit, MI to Show Low, AZ in March of 1955. She eagerly began life in the Show Low area by attending school and helping with a family business known as "The Spudnut Shop". She graduated from Snowflake High School in 1958 and went on to pursue a college degree in Elementary Education at NAU, where she received her bachelor's degree in 1962. Her first teaching assignment was on the island of Guam.

Sue returned home to marry James Sutherland and then they both went on to teach in Maui, Hawaii where their two daughters Bethanie and Rikki were born. In 1969, Sue and her girls moved back to Arizona. In August, Sue married John Robert Potts and they lived in the Scottsdale area, where she continued to teach students in Cave Creek. In 1973, Sue and John moved back to Show Low, Arizona, where they found their forever home. Sue taught 4th grade at Show Low Elementary as well as 5th grade for a short time in Blue Ridge Elementary.

Upon retiring from Education, Sue never stopped learning and was a big believer in life-long education through her study of books, travel, and life experiences. In 1980 Sue, John and their children joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where they found peace in learning that they could become an eternal family through following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Sue and John lived, worshiped, and raised their children, the White Mountains became part of her and she became part of the White Mountains. She served her community in organizations such as Girl Scouts, School Board, Pom Coach, and various church callings. One she particularly enjoyed was serving with John in the Mesa and Snowflake Arizona Temples. Sue also spent endless hours of counseling with family and friends.

Aside from Service, some of Sue's favorite things included spending time with her family and grandchildren especially when they had campouts in her backyard, reading on her deck, drinking Diet Pepsi, eating buster bars from the Dairy Queen, buying and displaying Hallmark Christmas ornaments, and throwing Christmas parties in her home. Along with these activities, Sue enjoyed reminiscing about her days spent rafting down the Colorado river, skiing, taking trips to China, South Africa, Rome, and LDS Church History Sites. She truly enjoyed living and tried to make the most of it.

Towards the end of her life, Sue found companionship and joy being married to Dwight Thrasher for a short time before he passed away on June 14th, 2018. She spent her final years enjoying her association with others in assisted living centers, Solterra of Lakeside, and the Carriage House in Snowflake. The family would like to thank the people who work in these facilities for their patience and care of Sue and others who benefit daily from their compassionate service.

Thanks also for all the well-wishes from her friends and loved ones and for those who have meant so much to her throughout her life. Please feel free to join us for a graveside service,which will be held in her honor at the Show Low Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 12th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.