CLEO MENGOS ESHELMAN

Cleo Mengos Eshelman passed away peacefully March 23, 2026, in her home in Denver, CO at the age of 85. Cleo was born on July 11, 1940, in Piqua, Ohio to Peter and Krisanthe Mengos. She completed her primary and secondary education in Piqua before graduating from Miami University, where she forged lasting friendships and enjoyed her classes and membership in the Tri Delta sorority. While at Miami U. she met and later married G. Coe Potter and settled in Oxford, Ohio. There she found great joy in raising her sons, Jason Coe and Trevor G., while nurturing a wide circle of dear friends. It was also during her college years that Cleo discovered a talent for fashion and design, a passion that would shape her career as a buyer and manager for various clothing and home goods stores. After two decades in Oxford, Cleo later married John W. Eshelman, and the two lived briefly in Circleville, Ohio before venturing west to Jackson, Wyoming. The Tetons captivated her, and she embraced much that the region had to offer, from snowmobiling in Yellowstone and horse pack trips through the mountains to lively gatherings with cherished friends. She was an active member of her church and P.E.O., generously giving her time to both. After nearly 30 years in the Jackson area, Cleo moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to be closer to family. Cleo’s spirit of adventure led to extensive travel throughout her life, including trips to Europe, Alaska, and yearly excursions to the Bahamas, as well as a safari in Kenya. Among her most treasured experiences was a journey to Albania with her mother and son to visit extended family. Above all, Cleo was known for her kind and sweet nature, her fun, generous spirit, and her deep devotion to the people she loved. She especially treasured time with her sons, particularly visits in Florida and holiday gatherings in Wyoming and Colorado. She delighted in doting on her grandson, Quinten, and remained lovingly close to her brother, nieces, and nephew throughout her life. Cleo adored her friends and held those bonds among her greatest blessings — through joyous celebrations and difficult times alike. Cleo is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sophie Mengos Heckerman. She is survived by her brother C.P. Mengos and sister-in-law Shirley Mengos; her sons Jason Potter and Trevor G. Potter; daughter-in-law Rebecca Potter; grandson Quinten Potter; several nieces, nephews, and their children. A Memorial Service to honor Cleo's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joshua Rodriguez officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Cleo’s name to the Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church General Fund/Youth Group https://www.heartofsteamboat.com/give  (use memo line for designation).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of CLEO MENGOS ESHELMAN, please visit our floral store.