Ray Butz

Ray F. Butz, age 99, of Mt. Sterling, was called Home to his Lord while resting peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2013. He was born November 10, 1913 in Fayette County, the son of Martin and Merle Brown Butz. Preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, and 1 sister. Ray graduated from Bloomingburg H.S. and was a member of the 1929, 1930, and 1931 Fayette County Champion basketball team. He enjoyed showing cattle at The Ohio State Fair and horses at local shows. There were many interesting stories he told of his life to family and friends before becoming a lifetime farmer. He married Annabel Fisher on March 23, 1941 and together they raised their 2 sons. He was a 65 year member of the Grand Masonic Lodge, director of the Grove City Farmers Exchange for 40 years, served on the Madison County Fair Board and Mt. Sterling board of Education for many years, Director of Producers Livestock Assoc., ;lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, 2011 Grand Marshall of the Mt. Sterling 4th of July Parade, recipient of America’s Farmers Grow Communities program of $2,500 which he donated to the Community Center of Mt. Sterling. Survived by two sons Gary (Margie) Butz and Darryl (Lola) Butz, sister Avonelle Thorton, grandchildren Tim (Marcie) Butz, Shawn (Chris) Butz, Rhonda (Roy) Mack, Laura (Rick) Brown, Tiffany (Ken) Null, Travis (Maria) Butz, great-grandchildren Nathan Butz, Alex (Amber), Gary and Annabel Mack, Trevor and Kinsey Null, David, Jim, Joe, and Annabelle Butz, Evan and Emma Butz and Chase Brown. Family will receive friends Wednesday April 10 from 4-7 pm at THE PORTER-TIDD FUNERAL HOME 331 W. Main St. Mt. Sterling, OH 43143 where a Masonic Service will be held at 7 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday April 11 at 10 am. Interment Pleasant Cemetery. The family would extend a special thanks to their minister Rev. Michael Berne, church family , neighbors, and especially Bill Davis and Billy Johnson. Friends may contribute in his memory to the Mt. Sterling First United Methodist Church 110 S. London St. Mt. Sterling, OH 43143.