Denise Hindman

Denise Ann (Pottroff) Hindman, 78, of Manhattan, KS passed away on June 27, 2024, at Via Christi Village from complications of COPD.

She was born the second of seven children to L.W. “Doc” and Mildred Pottroff on March 14, 1946, in Emporia, Kansas. On September 4, 1962, she married Earl Ray Hindman. By the age of twenty-two she had three children: Brett, Rebekka (Bekka) and Tina. They moved several times during the first years for Earl to work and finally made their home in Topeka. They were divorced in 1976.

While in Topeka, she worked at Security Benefit Life, Kansas Neurological Institute and afterher first job she would work several part-time jobs to put food on the table for her kids. She found great joy in her work with disabled adults and the relationships she created during her time at KNI. Denise moved the family to Riley, KS in 1981. She took college classes at KSU for three years, studying psychology. She worked at K-State, Shop Quik and Kentucky Fried Chicken for many years. She then went to work for Wal-Mart where she worked in management and the photo lab for over twenty years until retirement.

Denise met her long-time partner, Steve Bush in the 1980’s. They enjoyed taking road trips  with her father Doc and her mother Millie—especially loved going to Branson to see the Christmas lights. Denise and Steve purchased a “fixer-upper” and did most all of the remodeling themselves. They were very proud of their accomplishments and made it their home until 2018 when flash- flooding destroyed almost everything they owned. Steve suffered a stroke in 2006 and she cared for him until the day she died.

She was a born caregiver and loved helping people in their time of need. Denise was an exceptional artist, loved animals and large family gatherings. When her children would bring stray animals home, she would always let them stay. She was a very talented artist, whether drawing, painting, sewing, Halloween makeup or ceramics—she was exceptionally talented. We are blessed to still have many of her art pieces to remind us of her. The large family gatherings on every holiday were some of her favorite times. Playing games, eating and just visiting with her siblings, nieces and nephews brought her much happiness.

When she received her favorite title of Grandma, she would rearrange her work schedule so she could babysit her grandchildren. She relished the opportunity to have one-on-one time with each of them. They each had a special bond with her.

Denise loved a challenge and being a single mother to three children in the 70’s with no child support wasn’t easy. She couldn’t call a repairman when things broke, she just figured out how to make it work. She also fought hard for her children to have a better life than her, fought asthma most of her life, fought COPD for over 20 years and when she got cancer in July of 2022, guess what, she fought it too...and won! Being a fighter comes with the Pottroff name.

She is preceded in death by her parents L.W. “Doc” and Mildred Pottroff, brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Brummett, brother Robert “Bobby” Pottroff and infant niece BobbiJo Pottroff.

Denise leaves behind a loving family who will miss her very much. She is survived by her partner, Steve Bush, Manhattan; children, Brett (Tammi) Hindman; Rebekka (Guy) Dillon; Tina Hindman; grandchildren, Devin (Logan) Dillon; Jordan (Amy) Hindman; Joshua (Hannah) Hindman; Morgan (Brian) Koenig; Lindsae Hindman; great grandchildren, Winnie and Hattie Koenig; sisters Diane Brummett; Donna Pottroff; Darci (Joleen) Pottroff; brothers Harley Pottroff and Larry (Pat) Pottroff; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held on July 24, 2024, at 11:00, Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan KS. We encourage you to wear K-State, KC Chiefs or KC Royals gear in honor of mom’s favorite teams!

Please join us at The Train Depot (120 Ft Riley Blvd) from noon-2:30. We will have a light lunch as we gather to celebrate Denise’s life and share memories.

Memorial contributions can be made in Denise’s name to the Topeka Zoo animal (elephant) care fund or the Sunset Zoo.