Larry Ray Botts

Larry Ray Botts passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, and community leader whose life was defined by hard work, service, and a deep love for his family and community.

Larry was born on April 18, 1937, in Hampton, Iowa, to John and Thelma Botts. He attended Hampton High School, where he was active in football, basketball, baseball, and track, earning letters in each sport despite being one of the smallest athletes on the field. He also enjoyed theater productions, golf, and proudly served two years in the National Guard based at the Hampton Armory.

While working for Anthony’s Department Store in Perry, Iowa, Larry met the love of his life, Sandra Sue Johns. They were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1960, beginning a partnership that would last more than 60 years. Together they welcomed two sons, Mitchell and Eric, and built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

Larry spent much of his career as a successful business owner throughout northern Iowa. He and Sandy eventually made their home in Manly, Iowa, where they owned and operated several businesses and became deeply involved in the community. Larry was active in the Methodist Church, the Pioneer Country Club and Pool, local booster organizations, and the Mason City Red Cross, where he helped provide relief to families affected by fires and tornadoes.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Larry was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Iowa Hawkeyes. After moving to Macomb, Illinois, in 1999, he also became a dedicated supporter of Western Illinois University athletics. He especially loved golf, fireworks, and the annual Fourth of July celebrations in Manly, which he proudly helped support for many years.

More than anything, Larry loved his family. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Sue Botts; his parents, John and Thelma Botts; his sisters, Veloy (Don) Burke and Velma (David) Riggins; his brothers, Dean (Alice) Botts and Virgil (Dorothy) Botts; his sisters-in-law, Pat Meier, Doris Pantier, Vernas Shipley, Verna Martin, and Norma Herridge; and his brothers-in-law, Donald Johns, George Johns, Jack Meier, Dale Shipley, Richard Herridge, Bill Martin, Jack Lientz, and Virgil Pantier.

He is survived by his sons, Mitch (Cindy) Botts and Eric (Lori) Botts. He was a proud grandfather to Katie (Charlie) Whitaker, Tony (Jackie) Botts, Shelli Botts, Brad (Sydney) Botts, Meghan (AJ) Shaw, Hayley (Blake) Nord, and Carly Botts. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Reese Mabrey, Addisyn Shaw, Ruby Shaw, Landon Shaw, Oliver Nord, Cal Botts and Macklin Botts.

Larry is also survived by sister-in-law Linda (Bob) Olson and by his beloved nephew, Rhett Clayton, who held a special place in Larry and Sandy’s hearts, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Perry Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Violet Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at the Perry Country Club for a Celebration of Life luncheon, where stories, memories, and the joy Larry brought to so many lives will be shared as we honor and remember a life well lived. In honor of Larry’s lifelong love of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings, guests are welcome to wear Hawkeye black and gold or Vikings purple and gold attire to the Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Wesley Village in Macomb, Illinois, to be used for the benefit and support of the dedicated staff who provided Larry with such compassionate care. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com. 

Larry’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, determination, and love.