Ross Alan Butler

ROSS ALAN BUTLER

Marengo

Ross Alan Butler was born Jan. 1, 1945, in Malta, Ill., the son of Roy and Mazie (Monson) Butler. He graduated from Malta High School in 1963 and Iowa State University in 1968 with a B.S. in animal science. Ross farmed, raised cattle and was an auctioneer throughout his life. He worked for Wilson and Co. in Cedar Rapids from 1968 to 1975 as the livestock service director and cattle buyer. From 1975 to 2016, he farmed in Benton and Iowa counties. Ross served as president of the Iowa State University Block and Bridle and was a member of the livestock judging team. He was a ringman for cattle sales and the sale of champions at the Iowa State Fair, along with the Iowa County Fair. He was instrumental in the planning of the new livestock building and show ring at the Iowa County Fair. Ross enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair. He had a lifelong love for cattle and his family. He made friends with everyone, never met a stranger. Ross passed away Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at the Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo at the age of 73.

He is survived by his fiancee, Sandra Kinzenbaw of Marengo; two daughters, Wendy (Todd) Hagen of Homestead and Kelly (Mike) Vifian of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Taylor (fiancee Hannah Taylor) Hagen of Oxford, Tanner Hagen of Homestead, and Bailey, Shelby and Addy Vifian, all of Cedar Rapids; a stepdaughter, Courtney Kinzenbaw of Marengo; and a stepgranddaughter, Liddy Kinzenbaw of Marengo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Louise Wade; a niece, Robin Wade; and nephew, Gordon Wade.

A Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at the First Presbyterian Church in Marengo. Burial will be in the Marengo Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Memorials are for Iowa County Fair Building Fund or Compass Memorial Hospital. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.