Patricia Kathleen Butts, 80, of Salisbury Center, New York and formerly of Schenectady, New York, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, November 15, 2025 at Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Little Falls, New York.
She was born on May 4, 1945, in Schenectady, New York, Patricia was the cherished daughter of Clarence Ryan and Virginia Willey. Patricia's journey began in the vibrant city of Schenectady, where she graduated from Linton High School in 1963.
Her early years were filled with laughter and the warmth of family, which she would carry with her throughout her life. In 1964, Patricia married Gerald Clarkin Sr., on March 7, 1964, with whom she shared a life until their separation in 1973. Gerald would later pass away in 2006, leaving a lasting impact on her heart.
In 1986, Patricia found love again when she married Donald Butts on July 4th. Their union brought joy and companionship until Donald's passing on December 24, 2017. Patricia’s two marriages exemplified her capacity for love and her desire for connection.
Patricia dedicated a significant portion of her professional life to General Electric and Campbell's Plastics, where she worked for over 20 years from which she retired in 2005. Her hard work and determination were an inspiration to those around her.
She lived a life marked by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community. She was of the Catholic faith and in her spare time, she enjoyed music, dancing, bowling, playing cards, and camping. Patricia thoroughly relished in being in the presence of her family. Throughout her life, Patricia was known for her infectious spirit. She found joy in simple pleasures, whether it was playing bingo, listening to music, or spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature and her family. Her vibrant presence will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
Family was the cornerstone of Patricia’s life. She is survived by her three loving children: Virginia Boyle (Joe) of Clifton Park, NY, Kathleen Bell (Roger) of Salisbury Center, NY and Estella Butts of Plattsburg, NY. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren; Shannon Bell (Bill Rumrill), Kevin Bell, Tiffany Stevens (Jeremy Eich), Erica Stevens (Stuart Wood), Ryan Clarkin, Katie Clarkin, and Kyle Dominey. Patricia was also the proud great-grandmother of Mackenzie Damphier (Logan Spellman), Allisandrina Vedder (Robert Bienkowski), Austin Stevens, Alexandra Eich, Austin Eich, and Cole Stevens and Kyle's children.
Patricia is preceded in death by her beloved mother Virginia Willey, father Clarence Ryan, husband Donald Butts, Gerald Clarkin Sr., her two brothers Clifford Ryan and Michael Ryan, her son Gerald Clarkin Jr., her grandson Roger Bell Jr., and her great-grandson Trenton Rumrill. Their memories are forever etched in the hearts of her family, and Patricia now joins them in a peaceful reunion.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December, 3, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Dibble Tuttle Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her beloved grandson, Roger Bell, Jr.
The family is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
To leave a message of sympathy for Patricia’s family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for her online memory book.
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