Obituary of Janice H. Butts

Janice passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 30^th, 2025, at the age of 89.  Born in Chicago, Illinois, she was the daughter of Edward D. and Margaret A. Hagens.  Jan had two siblings – her identical twin, Virginia L. Huguenard (deceased) and their younger sister, Annette (Gary) Jennings, who resides in Austin, TX.

     She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Dean Butts, and their children - David (Patricia) Butts of Morristown, NJ; Stephen Butts of Pine Valley, NY; Karen (John) Kotch of Elmira; and Jeffrey (Jessica) Butts of Missoula, MT.  She is also survived by her cherished grandsons, Dylan Butts of Singapore, and Jayson and Spencer Butts of Morristown, NJ.  Jan also had many loving nieces, nephews, and their children from as far as Indiana, Texas, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

     Jan graduated from Freeport (IL) High School in 1953 and the University of Iowa College of Nursing in 1957.  After graduation, she worked the pediatric ward at the Colorado Medical Center in Denver. Jan came to Elmira in 1959 and began her career as a Clinical Instructor at the Arnot Ogden School of Nursing. She and Dean were married on August 27, 1960, and lovingly raised their family of four children in Elmira.  Family was always Jan’s first priority, yet she remained deeply engaged in her community, church, and schools through a wide range of volunteer activities. She was a dedicated participant of the Elmira Junior League, a member and past president of the YWCA, and a committed volunteer for the American Red Cross and Neighborhood House. A longtime and active member of The Park Church, Jan also gave generously of her time to the Elmira Community Kitchen.

    In retirement, Jan fulfilled a shared dream with Dean, by building a log home on Upper Saranac Lake, in the Adirondacks. They’ve spent summers and every Thanksgiving there, enjoying the outdoors and welcoming family and friends to their lakeside retreat. She also volunteered at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, continuing her lifelong commitment to service. When not volunteering or enjoying the outdoors, she was an avid reader.

            Jan had a gift for making people feel loved and remembered. Even in the comfort of her home, she always made it a priority to reach out, calling her friends to catch up and share a laugh, each time reminding them of how much they mattered.

     Jan will be remembered for her open-hearted nature, her generosity of spirit, and her unwavering belief in kindness and compassion. A quote that guided her throughout life was:“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now.”

     A Memorial Service will be held at The Park Church, 208 W. Gray Street, Elmira, on, Saturday, June 28^th, 2025, at 11am. A private burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jan’s memory may consider a donation to one of the organizations that meant so much to her:

• The Park Church, 208 W. Gray Street, Elmira, NY 14901
• The Elmira Community Kitchen, 215 E. Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901
• The Wild Center, 45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake, NY 12986