Rita Carol Wood Potts, 71, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House.

Rita was born April 4, 1954, in Wilkes County, N.C., to the late Gilbert and Shirley Mae Cothren Wood. She was a graduate of North Iredell High School and was valedictorian of her class. She received her cosmetology license from Mitchell Community College and worked as a hairstylist for many years. She also worked as a phlebotomist. Rita was a people-person who enjoyed sculpting, painting, fishing and working puzzles.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Perry Allen Wood and Michael Lee Wood, and a sister, Teresa Ann Wood.

Left to cherish Rita’s memory are her husband of 20 years, seven months and one day, Arthur “Art” Dwight Potts, and her sister, Freda W. Noble (Bob), as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, in the Troutman Funeral Home Chapel with Greg Ratey officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 10:30 until 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Rita Potts.