Monte Ray Estes

Monte Ray Estes, known to most as “Butch,” but his favorite title being “Grandpa
Doodle Hopper” from his grandkids, followed his favorite hunting trail into the great
beyond in September 2025, likely with one final joke to leave everyone smiling through
their tears. Born December 10, 1946, in Macomb, Illinois, Butch lived a life full of grit,
laughter, adventure, and sparkle - more on that later.
Though he lived in Arizona for a while, where he hunted rattlesnakes, Illinois was
always home base. Over the years, he wore many hats — body repair man for 35
years, shiitake mushroom farmer, mail truck driver, and eventually, he developed and
made tools for mushroom production. He also loved to travel to Colorado with friends to
hunt and never met a project he couldn’t tinker with.
Butch had a true craftsman’s heart. He could fix anything, paint everything, and build
just about whatever he set his mind to. One of his proudest and sparkliest
accomplishments was working with his daughter to completely redo her first car —
covering it in so much rainbow metal flake, it shimmered like a disco ball going down the
highway. Why? Just because she loves glitter.
He had a wicked sense of humor and a library of questionable book titles that he'd
convince his daughter to ask the "old guys at Hardee’s" about — like Under the
Bleachers by Se-More Butts or Trail in the Sand by Peter Dragon. They’d laugh, she’d
be confused for a while, and Butch? He’d be grinning ear to ear. He was the master of
the prank, the king of the comeback, and never missed a chance to stir up a little good-
hearted trouble.
In his later years, Butch’s favorite thing in the world was spending time with his family.
He loved going on road trips with Patty, Frani, Luke, and the grandkids, whether it was a
weekend away or just exploring somewhere new. One of his most cherished memories
was a guys’ hog-hunting trip with Luke and his brother, he talked about it all the time
and told the story like it had happened just yesterday.
He also loved reconnecting with his daughter Tawny, and he treasured the times that
she was able to visit from Utah. In between visits, they talked on the phone, sharing
updates and stories.
If he wasn’t teaching the grandkids how to prank their mom in person, he was video
chatting with them (with the help of Patty, because he hated technology) to hear about
their latest adventures, and, of course, to slip in a new joke or scheme.

Butch will be “for sure, for sure” remembered for his quick wit, wild stories, fierce love,
strong opinions, and orneriness. He lived life fully, loved deeply, and made sure
everyone around him laughed just a little louder.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patty Estes, daughters Frani Earls (Luke Shultz)
of Iowa and Tawny (Lynn) Ivie of Utah, and his beloved grandchildren Ryker and
Rayven Shultz of Iowa, and Brianna and Spencer Green of Utah. He also leaves behind
his sister Carol May, brothers Rich Estes and Rod Estes, and an extended family full of
nieces, nephews, “adopted daughters,” friends, and loved ones who will miss him dearly
and carry on his legacy, one story (or prank) at a time.
Butch was preceded in death by his mother, Lorene Estes, his father – in – law Francis
Curry, his brother, Raymond Estes, his brother-in-law, Ron May, his nephew, Terry May
and his son-in-law, Nathan Earls. The family finds peace in knowing that his mom was
waiting at the gates with a big hug, his favorite dog, Gizmo, came running to greet him,
and Nathan had a chair for him by a good fishing hole, a cold one, and was ready to
listen to whatever far-fetched story Butch had to tell.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, IL.,
Sunday, September 14, 2025. Family will meet friends from 2:00 P.M. until time of
services at 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family of
Monte Estes. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage will be in charge of the arrangements.