John Botts

John H. Botts, 86, of Rushville, passed away at 2:50 AM, Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

He was born on August 11, 1934, in Camden Township, Schuyler County, Illinois, the youngest of six children to Harold and Audrey (Garrison) Botts.  He married Barbara Black on December 31, 1955, at the First United Methodist Church in Rushville.  She survives.

Also surviving are three children David Botts and wife Jan of Janesville, Wisconsin, Diane Frazier and husband Stan of Mendon, and Susan Graham and husband Bill of Glenarm, six grandchildren Jennifer Crowe and husband Matt of Fruita, Colorado, Erik Botts and Ericka of Madison, Wisconsin, Ashley Wissink and husband Rob of Phoenix, Arizona, Andy Frazier and wife Erin of Mendon, John Graham and wife Jess of Manhattan, Kansas, and Amanda Graham of Glenarm, six great grandchildren Arya and Quintin Crowe, Cohen and Julian Wissink, Cora and Evelyn Frazier, one sister Donna Raffensparger of Tucson, Arizona, one sister-in-law Roseann Botts of Louisiana, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by one grandson Robby Frazier, three brothers Robert, Rolen and Max Botts and one sister Pat Waggoner.

John graduated from Rushville High School with the Class of 1952.  He first farmed with father in Schuyler County.  He worked for Caterpillar in Peoria.  He later worked for Schuyler Telephone and retired from AT&T in 1990.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Rushville.  He was also a member of the Rushville Masonic Lodge #9 A.F. & A.M..  He was a longtime trustee of Palm Cemetery Association.  He enjoyed riding and raising Arabian horses, woodworking, and gardening.  He volunteered with the Meals on Wheels and the Schuyler County Food Basket.  He and his wife would spend winter in Arizona.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 30, 2021, at the Palm Cemetery, west of Rushville, with Pastor Stacy Tomich officiating.  Interment will follow.  Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or the Palm Cemetery.