Gail Ruthann Butler

Posted August 07, 2014

Gail Ruthann Butler, a resident of Ruffin, SC and a longtime resident of Fly Creek, NY, died Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at her home in Ruffin. A daughter of Eli K. Kelly and Ruth Kelly Chase, she was born April 21, 1943 in Delhi, NY. She lived there and in Treadwell, NY, Otego, NY and later Sydney, NY where she completed her education. On Feb. 17, 1962, Gail married David Parker Butler at the United Methodist Church in Sidney, NY. After living in Otego for a number of years, the Butlers moved to Fly Creek, NY. During this period of time, Gail also took care of a number of foster children. They made their home there from 1972 until 2001. Gail was a Girl Scout Leader while living in Otego and a Cub Scout Leader in Fly Creek for many years. The Butlers then moved to Ruffin, SC and enjoyed spending winters there until permanently moving to Ruffin in 2008. Gail worked at Bendix Corp. in Sidney, NY as a machinist for a period of time. After moving to Fly Creek, she worked at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital (Bassett Healthcare) as a nurse in the ICU Nursing Section. After leaving there, she worked at the Meadows Nursing Home as a charge nurse. After retiring from nursing, Gail was the Superintendent and caretaker of the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery, Fly Creek, NY and received an “Arrow of Light” from President George Bush for her dedicated service. During this time she also ran for a seat on the Town Council. Eventually she retired to South Carolina. During her retirement years, Gail enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, sewing, ceramics, gardening, hiking, camping, helping others, exercising and talking at the gym. She loved to keep busy. A member of the Fly Creek United Methodist Church, she was also a member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 Auxiliary in Cooperstown, NY. She was an active member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Ruffin, SC. Gail is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Debra Butler Sinclair of Taylors, SC; a foster son, Carl Lewis Hendrick and Kathi both of Tucson, AZ; three grandchildren, Gail Grace Nicole Sinclair, Joseph Daniel David Sinclair and Deanne Bailey, great-grandchildren and a number of foster children, sister, Dorlyn Burgin (Bryan), brother, Eli F. Kelly (Peg) and one other sister. She was predeceased by one son, Daniel Mark Butler, who died in Sept. of 1987. Gail’s remains will be cremated. A memorial service will be conducted at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Double Church Road, Ruffin, SC on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Edward Stiltz officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek, NY. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Southern Care Hospice, 9294 Medical Plaza Drive, N. Charleston, SC 29406, or to organizations of their choosing.