Obituary of Beverly J. Butler

Beverly J. Butler, better known as “Gramma Honey” passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Taberg at the home of her son and daughter-in-law (Jamie & Pam Butler) where she was residing. She was surrounded by family, friends, and canines; she passed away peacefully listening to Vince Gill sing Go Rest High On That Mountain.      

On Friday, September 20, she would have turned 88 years old (just in case you do not want to do the math, she was born in 1936). Whenever she went to the hospital or doctor, she would always ask them if they knew how old she was. She was immensely proud to be the oldest living member of her family and always let it be known that she outlived both her mother and father.  

She was born to Eleanor and Charles Granger in Tully, New York. Her parents raised seven amazing children. She leaves behind her sister-in-law Esther Granger of Mexico,  Patricia Bolt of Marietta, Dody Kelley of Camden, Sue & Stan Crookes of Tully, Ruth and Ronnie Luchsinger of Tully, and Rodney & Cindy Granger of Tully.     

She met the love of her life, Robert Butler, in Tully and they were secretly married on March 5, 1955. They did not tell their parents of their marriage, they lived separately for some time seeing each other only on weekends only until they finally announced they were already wed.    

She did not work outside of the home but had the toughest job of anyone going. She raised four wonderful children and was also a babysitter for most of the village and town of Camden. She loved to tell the story about babysitting 18 children and 10 of those being in diapers. I never figured out how she could really care for all those children at the same time, but she always found enough love to spread to all of those around her. Recently, she would ask how much people were paying for daycare and she was flabbergasted at the cost. I know that many times she would tell the parents not to worry about paying if she felt they were struggling to make ends meet.   

On June 8, 2010, she lost the love of her life.  He had emphysema and she cared for him for many years. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Ronald Granger, her brother-in-law Phil Bolt, her brother-in-law Jimmy Kelley, her “son-in-law" Greg Campbell, and her nephew “Geep” Gorman.    

She was one of the most loving, caring, and compassionate people you will ever meet. She also had a very sassy side, and she continued to be bolder as the years went by.  Her filter was eliminated, and you never knew what she might say to someone or the language she may use.  

Her proudest achievement was her family; she also loved to can fruits and vegetables and sew.  She was a wonderful cook and made a mean dish of scalloped potatoes.  She recently taught Jamie and Pam how to make jelly, as she supervised the process since she could no longer perform the task.    

She leaves behind her four children Tryna Laribee; Sherry & Kurt Stouffer; Justin Butler; and Jamie & Pam Butler.  Her special nephew, Dale & Debbie Gaut and her special cousin Pamela & Mike Nobis. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

The family wants to thank Kristen Pelton who took wonderful care of her, the Advance Illness Management Program (AIM), Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford, the entire staff at Rome Hospital, as well as friends and family for the outpouring of love and support during this challenging time.  

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 21, from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 9464 State Route 13, Camden, NY.  A funeral service will commence at the end of calling hours followed by a private burial service.  Everyone is invited to attend a celebration of life at the Grape N Grog, 85 Taberg Street, Camden, NY following the services.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of New Hartford, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 (www.hospicecareinc.org) or the Camden Volunteer Fire Department, 14 Church Street, Camden, NY  13316.