Leo D. Butts

Leo D. Butts, Ventura resident for 71 years, peacefully passed away in his home on Thursday, November 14, 2013, following a brief illness. Leo will be remembered as a kind, honest, fair man, and mentor to many.

Leo, a native Californian, was born in Summit Valley in 1915 on the family homestead. He and his brother, Leland, were raised there until they moved to Victorville in 1924 where his father established an oil business which eventually became the Victorville Independent Service Station. Both Leo and Leland worked at the station while attending school. Leo graduated from Victor Valley Union High School in 1933 and then entered Santa Barbara State College as a freshman which laid the foundation for his noteworthy career in education. It was then that he met Nellie Rathjen of Bishop, his sweetheart and classmate. They were married on the same day that they graduated from SBSC and remained in a loving marriage for the next 68 years.

He began his long career in education as a teacher at Isbell School in Santa Paula. In 1942, Leo moved to Ventura where he served as elementary principal, first at May Henning and then at Loma Vista. Leo became superintendent of the Mill Union School District in 1957 and continued to work in various capacities until he retired in 1971. He ended his education career of 33 years with the Ventura Unified School District.

Leo contributed to the Ventura community in many ways. He was an active member of Ventura Downtown Lions Club for 67 years, holding the distinction of perfect attendance and worked on various projects such as the Cottage Home Foundation and sight and hearing projects. Leo was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Retired Teachers Association, Association of California School Administrators, La Estrella Dance Club, and the VCers camping group. Over the years Leo developed many interests and hobbies. He was an exceptional gardener and handyman. Leo led others by example demonstrating discipline, hard work, and high standards. He remained physically active throughout his life. He and Nellie walked each day and swam when the weather was nice.

During his life Leo was a dedicated teacher, principal, superintendent, as well as active community participant and leader and loving father. Leo was also acclaimed for his sourdough pancake recipe. This family tradition he shared with neighbors, campers, the Lions, Nellie’s sorority sisters, and everyone who wanted this tasty treat.

Leo is survived by his son, Ryan Butts of Dammeron Valley, Utah; daughters, Judy Borich of Albuquerque/Panama, Janell Guidry of San Diego, and daughter and son-in-law, Jeri and Ray Quintanilla of Ventura. Leo also enjoyed his five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all of the friends who supported Leo during his last few months of illness, especially Livingston VNA and Hospice, Comfort Keepers caregivers, the staff at Bonaventure as well as his many friends in the community. A special thank you goes to Dr. Robert Dodge who provided Leo with over 30 years of care.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2013, 3:00pm, at the First United Methodist Church, 1338 East Santa Clara, Ventura, with The Reverend Mary Birgelaitis and The Reverend Charles Simmons officiating.

A reception will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Leo’s name to: Lions Club Cottage Home Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 395, Ventura, California, CA 93002 or Livingston Memorial VNA and Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave. #101, Ventura, CA 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.