Timothy Patrick Boutz

Timothy Patrick Boutz, 75, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023, with his wife Susan by his side. He was born to Fred and Marian (Sporleder) Boutz in Walla Walla on September 17, 1947, and was the third of four children. Family was very important to Tim, who adored his siblings and loved spending time with them. In addition, he had numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews that he cherished.

Growing up in Walla Walla, Tim attended Greenpark Elementary School, where he first met Susan. They both graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1965. They married in 1981, and Tim inherited two children. He said he felt like he'd won the lottery. After high school, Tim earned an AA degree from Walla Walla Community College, a BA degree from Whitman College, and an MA degree from Northern Arizona University. He majored in English Literature and loved books of all kinds. Following his graduation, he had a long career working for Walla Walla Community College at the Penitentiary until his retirement. While there, and later, he was a fierce supporter of inmate education and the many ways education could change lives.

Tim had a terrific sense of humor, a huge smile, and a kind and affectionate heart. He had a great memory and enjoyed making people laugh, and we loved that. He and Susan dubbed themselves "Road Warriors," as they loved to take drives around town or out on the open road. They once drove to Montana and back in one day to have lunch.

Tim loved all sports. He coached Little League for 40+ years. When his grandson, Skylar, was a baby, Tim would whisper "baseball" in his ear. Apparently, the whispering worked because Tim was thrilled to have Skylar on his Little League team. Over the years, Tim jogged, played baseball, golfed with a dear friend, Dan Huntley, played poker with friends, and loved his time playing handball with his good friends at the YMCA. He had been a YMCA member since grade school and loved the energy and friends there. He couldn't get enough handball and looked forward to it the way children look forward to Christmas. Tim and Susan had a special affection for his golf and handball friends, who were so patient and supportive while he was still able to play. Tim gained a walking companion in November 2021 when he and Susan took the leap and rescued a 98-lb. female Labrador, Echo, who immediately became family and filled their hearts with love and joy.

Tim is survived by his wife and best friend, Susan; their son, Chad (Dawn) Elkin; their daughter, Cherish (Waylon) Gladden; and their four loved and adored grandchildren who were his pride and joy: James Timothy Elkin, Haley Marie Elkin, Skylar Lee Gladden, and Libby Yvonne Gladden; his beloved sister, Kumi Boutz; and his special sisters-in-law, Deanne and Kittie Boutz; and the rest of his family and friends who loved and supported Tim, often satisfying his sweet tooth with homemade cookies and banana bread. There were also lots and lots of laughs with dear friends Ron and Connie Zigler. Tim was preceded in death by his parents and his especially-loved brothers, Fred and Mike.

We would like to thank Dr. Jon Gardner, Wheatland Parkview Memory Care, and Walla Walla Community Hospice for their friendship, compassion, and care for Tim during his final days of life.

At Tim's request, a service will not be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.