Ruth Anne Butts

Ruth Anne (Aldrich) Butts changed her address from Prescott to Heaven on Saturday, September 26, 2020 after a short but devastating battle with cancer. Ruth spent her last days surrounded by family. Ruth was born in Climax Township, Michigan on December 5, 1938 to Amos and Nina Aldrich. She was the youngest of nine children. Ruth married Richard Butts in 1957. The couple set up their home Battle Creek Michigan and began a family. Ruth was a seamstress and home maker. In the summer of 1973, they pulled up their roots and their 3 daughters and moved to Prescott, Arizona. Once here, they opened a fabric shop and began to settle into the community. The economy turned and Ruth decided to attend Yavapai College in pursuit of a Nursing career. Ruth managed to go to school full time, work full time and take care of her family. The dedication paid off in 1977. Ruth worked for Yavapai Community Hospital (later Yavapai Regional Medical Center) for 32 years, starting as a unit secretary and retiring as the Director of Surgery. She was dedicated and compassionate nurse and mentor throughout her career. If you knew Ruth, you knew her passions included camping, cooking, sewing and gardening. If you were lucky, you may have tasted some of her fresh veggies over the years. She loved her flowers and she loved her hummingbirds. She loved to boat and fish, with Lake Alamo being a favorite spot. Ruth and Richard were campground hosts in retirement, with adventures taking them to several parks in northern and eastern Arizona. Ruth leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Richard; 3 daughters, Sherri Reidhead, Tammi(Jimmy) Higgs, and Karen(Benn) Wagner. Grandchildren; Mandi(Tom) Storms, Shayla(Chris) Marciano and Brady(Heather) Higgs: Greats: Trenton, Shelby, Marc, Parker, Alex, Kolton, Owen, Riley, Madison, Lauren, Jordan; and 1 great, great grandchild, Colt. Thank you to her nephew and his wife, Dan & Mary Ann Cummins, for all their help and support during this trying time. A special thank you her Hospice team at Maggie's. Ruth will be missed beyond words. Her quiet and loving support encouraged not only her family and friends, but many she worked with over the years. She was an amazing, full of grit, grace and beauty. We have been so very blessed to have her in out lives for so many years. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and 8 siblings. No funeral services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in remembrance of her life to: Yavapai Nursing Program- www.yc.edu/ruthbutts.

Ruth Anne Butts

December 5, 1938 - September 26, 2020