Jerry “Butch” Stoots was known for his beautiful Dahlia flower arrangements accented with a Peacock feather. Butch grew flowers and would bless folks in nursing homes, hospitals, at funerals or for “just because,” with these arrangements. He raised peacocks, and many different farm animals over the years at the farm.
Butch passed away Wednesday September 2, 2020 at his rural Greensboro farm at the age of 80 years. His friends and family were by his side. He was born on February 2, 1940 in New Castle, a son of the late Marvin and Edythe (Werking) Stoots.
Butch was a 1958 graduate of New Castle High School and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He retired from Dana Corporation following 30 years of service and worked various other jobs, but his love was of farming and caring for his farm animals. However, more than anything Butch loved his family and friends and always proclaimed that he “has had a great life”. Butch was a tough, strong man. His quiet and unwavering strength could be seen while working on his farm and during his many illnesses. He had an unwavering will to live, and he showed us all how to live a wonderful, rich life in the face of hardship. Butch had a softer side that enjoyed singing and recording gospel songs, as well as having the Stoots’ family trait of cooking and baking. He was most fond of making sweets like cookies, pies, and cakes. He was also known for his unique crafts.
Butch is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan (Spannuth) Stoots of rural Greensboro; daughter, Wendy Stoots of Kennard; son, Aric Stoots(fiancé, Valerie Jane Bertolina) ,of Kissimmee, FL; grandson, Lukas Stoots of Clermont, FL; siblings, Nancy (Jake) Pasman of New Castle, Dale “Tater” Stoots of Bowling Green, KY, Larry “Chick” (Kathy) Stoots of New Castle, Cathy Davenport of New Castle; nieces and nephews, Monica (Sean) Alford of rural Spiceland, David (Tara) Stoots of New Castle, Kevin (Christie) Pasman of rural Mt. Summit, Christy (Charlie) Osborne of Muncie and Letreze Stoots of Bowling Green, KY.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be at 2:00pm Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in New Castle with Pastor Fran Bullock officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Memory Gardens with military ritesconducted by the American Legion/VFW and the U.S. Air Force. Visitation will be from 12:00pm-2:00pm prior to the service on Tuesday. Due to the abundance of his Dahlias, the family has requested NO FLOWERS be sent and in lieu, please make a donation in Butch’s name to the charity of your choice. Due to Covid-19 and the governor’s mandate, face covering will be required. Condolences and memories of Butch may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.