Roberta Wood Butler

Roberta Wood Butler, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on February 13, 1939, Roberta lived a long and meaningful life marked by strength, compassion, and quiet grace. She was known for her kind heart, her steady presence, and the care she showed to those around her.

Roberta graduated from Gorham Central High School in 1957 and went on to pursue her calling in nursing at The Genesee Hospital School of Nursing. She dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a pediatric and maternity nurse, spending most of her career with Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, New York. Through her work, she provided comfort, skill, and compassion to countless families during some of life’s most important moments.

A lifelong member of Reed Corners Federated Church, Roberta’s faith was an important part of her life. She was also a dedicated volunteer and board member of the Yates County Humane Society, reflecting her deep love for animals—especially her own cherished pets. She was an avid bird watcher and found great joy in nature.

Roberta gave freely of her time. She was an active leader and volunteer during the time her children were involved in scouting, marching band, and 4-H.

Roberta especially treasured time spent with her family at their camp in Old Forge, New York—a place filled with memories and tradition, built by her father, uncles, and grandfather. Those family trips were among her happiest times and a lasting legacy of togetherness.

Roberta was the devoted wife of the late Charles E. Butler, who passed away on May 4, 2023. Together, they shared a life built on love, commitment, and enduring partnership—creating a foundation that shaped generations of family.

She is survived by her three children: Charles A. Butler; Matthew Butler and his wife, Amy Butler, and their daughters, Claire and Jenna; and Karen Rayburn. She is also survived by her younger brother, Raymond Wood of Sperryville, Virginia, and his wife, Patricia Wood, along with their children, Jennifer Spadine and Deborah Laroche; and her brother-in-law, Daniel Butler of Los Alamitos, California, and his wife, Charlotta Butler, along with their sons, Christopher Butler and his wife, Deanna, and Timothy Butler.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles E. Butler; her parents, Allen Wood and Alta Smith; and her younger sister, Eva Elizabeth Wood.

Throughout her life, Roberta found joy in the simple but lasting things—time spent with loved ones, meaningful conversations, and the traditions that bring people together. Her warmth and generosity touched many, and her legacy lives on not only through her family, but also through the many lives she cared for as a nurse.

A memorial service will be held on May 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Reed Corners Federated Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Reed Corners Federated Church or the Yates County Humane Society. Her family asks that she be remembered not only with sadness, but with gratitude for the years she shared and the love she gave so freely.

Roberta’s life was a testament to the enduring power of kindness, dedication, faith, and connection. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Roberta’s Family.