Carey Jon Boote

Carey Jon Boote, age 74, of Mount Pleasant, SC, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025 surrounded by family after a courageous, decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on February 23, 1951 in Hull, Iowa, Carey was the son of the late Clarence and Carol Boote. Growing up on a dairy farm, he honed his strong work ethic in his younger years, waking up early in the mornings before school to help his father tend to the livestock.

After graduating from Boyden-Hull High School in 1969, he attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan and majored in Biology. While at Hope, he was a Baker’s scholar, member of the Arcadian fraternity, and student taught, where he cultivated his passion for teaching others. Most importantly, in college he met his wife of 52 years, Susan Ponstein. Shortly after college, Carey started work for the former Prince Corporation, where he worked over 25 years in various management roles.

Ever the hard worker, Carey devoted his time and energy to his work at Prince, typically waking up at the crack of dawn to get to the office and leaving it in the evening to spend time with his family, who regularly greeted him at the door upon his return. Indeed, caring for his three children Jillian, John, and Jacquelyn was his pride and joy in life. Whether it was moving them into college dorms, helping them with homework, chaperoning soccer road trips, or organizing evening family boat rides - Carey’s proudest achievements were his three children.

Aside from his family, Carey was an active member of Christ Memorial Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan and served in the consistory on multiple boards. A testament to his generous spirit, in his free time, he also spent many years volunteering with Junior Achievement. As a longtime resident of Holland, Carey loved attending Hope College basketball games and his Friday morning meet-ups with his close friends from the community.

Carey is survived by his devoted wife, Susan (Ponstein) Boote, and three children Jillian (Brian) Parsons, John Boote, and Jacquelyn (Edward) Alfriend, in addition to four grandchildren Megan Parsons, Colin Parsons, Avery Alfriend, and James Alfriend. He also is survived by four siblings Brenda (Don) DeBruyn, Cathy Boote, Daniel (Mary) Boote, and Evan (Nancy) Boote. A memorial service for the family will take place in early 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.