Oliver J Butt

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”

Oliver J. Butt passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on February 1, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Oliver J. and Ann L. Butt. Known by family and friends as Ollie or Skip, he graduated from St. Rita High School in Chicago in 1967. In 1968, he married Nancy Nelson and together they celebrated 53 years.

He graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri and began his teaching career in Sterling, Illinois where he resided for 50 years. He spent his teaching years along with coaching girl’s and boy’s basketball and track in the Sterling School District. He retired after 34 years and continued a full life with his family. He was an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears.

For the past 11 years he was a part time resident of Arizona with friends and the love of his life. They played bocce ball, dancing and pool time. Everyone enjoyed his sense of humor and his stories, and he will be missed. He spent the last weeks of his life with his wife in their “happy place.”

Skip was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Ann Butt, and by his brother Ken Butt.

Survivors include his wife Nancy, his son Jason Butt (Donna), his daughter Regina Lopez (Frank), 5 grandchildren: Halie Butt (John Gant), Allysa Fullick (Kyle), Royce Butt, Celeste and Calista Lopez, 2 great grandchildren: Chandler and Sophia Fullick, and many cousins, nieces, great nieces and great nephews. Other survivors include his mother in law, sisters in law and a brother in law.