Constance Ann Marie (Butler) DeForest, 72, died on Monday, July 14, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on June 11,1953 to Cyril and Beverly (Gunion) Butler in Jefferson. The family lived in Jefferson for a few years and then moved to Harlan. Connie graduated from Harlan High School in 1972. On June 18,1972, Connie married Karol “Woody” DeForest at the First Christian Church in Woodbine. To this union five children were born, Sherry, Tim, Todd, Heather, and Katie. Connie went to school to become a CNA. She worked at Rose Vista for 20 years, retired, then went back to work at the nursing home in Logan for another 10 years. She had many beloved families she took care of and was well loved.
Connie loved spending time with her family. She was known for her contagious laugh, baking, having fun and love for her family. She was a collector of antiques and knick knacks. She loved shopping, Pepsi, and scary movie nights with her grandkids. Connie also dearly loved her nieces and nephews. She was selfless and always put others first before herself. She was known as an angel on earth to her family.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents; and grandson Jason Hald. She is survived by her husband Woody DeForest of Woodbine; five children, Sherry and her husband Mike Guyett of Logan, Tim DeForest and his wife Emily of Woodbine, Todd DeForest and his wife Keri of Omaha, Neb., Heather and her husband Hank Gruver of Woodbine and Katie and her husband Kellen Liddell of Woodbine; 16 grandchildren; sisters, Pamela and her husband Lawrence Rold of Jacksonville and Sharon Blum and John Olinger of Woodbine; brothers. Thomas Butler and his wife Diane of Harlan and Scott Butler and his companion Linda Stuhr of Persia; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine. Hank Gruver and Beth Fouts presided over the service. The honorary pallbearers were Tim DeForest, Todd DeForest, Scott Butler, Tom Butler, Savannah Guyett, Valerie Coakley, Lauren Coakley, Ellie DeForest, Olivia DeForest, Gracie Gruver, Addilynn Liddell, Jordan Liddell and Anna DeForest. The pallbearers were Trevor Guyett, Jake DeForest, Carter Gruver, Henry Gruver, Aaron Liddell, Kysen Liddell and the late Jason Hald. Connie’s final resting place is at the Woodbine Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
