Obituary of Terry Butler

Terry Haines Butler, age 78, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on March 16, 2026. She was born on January 25, 1948 in Fort Fairfield, Maine and the first child of Graydon D. Haines, Jr., and Glenna Johnston Haines. In 1956 her family purchased and moved into the Cottrell farm in Scott. She was married in 2012 to Donald Butler for fourteen wonderful, loving years. She is survived by her loving husband Don and her sons Randy (Michelle) Foster and granddaughter Nicole (Drew) Boulanger; and Daron Foster and granddaughter Kaidon Foster. Terry was blessed to gain Don's loving daughters and their families who also survive her: Laurna (John) Henderson, Bonnie Yongblood, Amy Butler (Pat Park), grandchild Liza Reif (Jared Gurnsey), Katie Jenney (Donny), Jackson Henderson, Jenna Henderson (Alex Chantre), Erica MacTavish (Charles), Aaron Monty and several great-grandchildren. She especially loved their dog Patches, who will miss the walks and car rides. She was very close to her four sisters and their families: Corinne (Tom) Crandell and nephew Patrick (Morgan) Crandell; Stephanie Greenfield and niece Dr. Carla Greenfield; Gilda (Mike) Votra and niece Debbie (Laurie) Mason and nephew Dan (Stephanie) Mason; and Millie Blaakman and nephew Greg Parmiter and niece Jacquee Stevens. She is also survived by many close cousins, especially Peggy and Fred. She was the one person who stayed connected with her large family! Terry was predeceased by her parents, Graydon and Glenna Haines and several first cousins. Terry grew up on the Haines Farm (potatoes and strawberries) in Scott, where she learned to work hard to do any job well. That work ethic carried through her 34 years employed at SUNY Cortland. She made numerous lifelong friendships and retired in 2010. She was instrumental in the Homer Class of 1966 reunion planning and stayed connected with several of her classmates throughout her life, especially her BFF, Sharon Hollenbeck. Terry was a kind and caring person that touched the lives of so many people. Always happy, always positive, and always willing to listen. Notably, she was a country girl at heart and loved nature-- especially caring for her flower gardens and enjoyed walking through fields, along streams. For many years she helped maintain the Spafford Cemetery on Cold Brook Road and later helped her sister Stephanie at Scott Union Cemetery with maintenance and as treasurer. She grew up attending the Scott Methodist Church and kept up her church attendance at the Living Word Free Methodist church in Cortland and more recently at Emmanuel Baptist Church in McGraw. She had demonstrated a lifelong devotion to helping others, anyone in need, family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers ("You look like you need hug, May I hug you?"). Surrounded by family, friends and loved ones, Terry's time came to be with the Lord. We know she has great joy in joining the large Haines' and Johnston clans as she is now in her heavenly home. As she said recently, "I love you and will see you later." A private family gathering is planned, and a Celebration of Life memorial will be planned for spring. Terry will be buried later at the Glenwood Cemetery in Homer. If you wish to honor Terry's memory, donations can be sent to Scott Union Cemetery, 2 Grove Street, Homer, NY 13077 or SPCA of Cortland, 879 McLean Road, Cortland, NY 13045. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center physicians, nurses and staff on two South. To offer online condolences please visit www.wright-beard.com.