Obituary of Betty M. Butz

Betty M. Butz Age 95 of Chemung, NY, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, at home surrounded by her family on January 25, 2026. She was born on June 12, 1930 in Montrose, PA, daughter of the late Floyd & Maylou (Hill) Summers. Betty was predeceased by her parents, many aunts, uncles & cousins, her sister Phyllis Barbour in 2011, her son Dale Butz in 2014 & her husband of 74 years, Paul V. Butz in 2022. She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Susan & Bryan Charles of Chemung, NY, her two granddaughters, Emily & Olivia Charles, her sister Missy Bowers of Waverly, NY and many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. At the age of 17, Betty married her husband Paul in 1948. Their son Dale was born in 1952. After they found out that Dale had Down Syndrome, Betty sought out other families who also had children with developmental disabilities. She along with many other local parents began what is now known as The ARC of Chemung/Schuyler in 1953. Her work with the agency spanned nearly 70 years. Betty & Paul's daughter Susan was born in 1962. Betty was an excellent mother to both her children. She & Paul owned & operated Butz Refrigeration in Horseheads for 34 years, before selling the business and retiring to their property in Chemung in 1987. Betty was chosen locally to win the Jefferson Award for volunteering in 2008, then was chosen to win the National Jefferson Award in Washington, D.C. the same year for her decades-long work and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Betty loved her family & friends and she loved to cook and entertain. She blessed so many with her hospitality and her servant's heart. She has been a great example of selflessness and unconditional love to those that knew her. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. Family & friends are invited to visit Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St. Horseheads, NY on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10 am to 11 am. Her service will be held at 11 am. Pastor Doug Forman will officiate. Committal prayers and interment will follow at the Bath National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Betty's wishes were that donations be sent to the ARC of Chemung/Schuyler, specifically designated for Guardianship. For those wishing to join the live stream please copy and paste the link bellow into your browser: https://youtube.com/live/x_bocsQkcLA