John Garnett Boots

John Garnett Boots passed away in the early morning hours of February 4th, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on November 23, 1947, in Spokane, Washington, to Roy Garnett Boots and Helen Babb Boots. John spent his early childhood in Plaza, Washington, before moving to Cheney at the age of six. The community that would remain the center of his life's work and commitment.

A proud graduate of Cheney High School, Class of 1966, John went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Eastern Washington State College in 1970. He began his career teaching Industrial Arts at Pomeroy High School from 1970 to 1976, where he inspired students not only in the mechanics of building, but in the dignity of creating something with one's own hands. It was in Pomeroy that he met Barbara Greene. They were married on June 17, 1972, beginning a partnership built on loyalty, laughter, and shared purpose that lasted for over 53 years.

In 1976, John made the decision to return to Cheney to carry forward a family legacy. He took over Boots Insurance Agency, the agency his father founded in 1959 under Grange Insurance. For decades, he served generations of families with honesty and steady counsel. He retired in 2016, leaving behind not just a business, but a reputation for trust and reliability that defined his name.

John believed deeply in civic responsibility and community service. He volunteered with Fire District 3, was a 50-plus-year member of the East Cheney Grange, participated in the Cheney Chamber of Commerce, supported the Cheney Cemetery Association, and served on various boards with the City of Cheney. He was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion. His quiet leadership and willingness to show up for others strengthened the fabric of his town.

He was, at heart, a builder and an enthusiast. John loved bowling, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed leatherworking and making things by hand, tangible expressions of patience and skill. A lifelong car enthusiast, one of his proudest moments came in 2021 when his dream became reality with the restoration of his original 1970 Dodge Charger. To him, it was more than a car; it was a testament to perseverance and pride in craftsmanship.

Throughout his life, John also managed Pomeroy Bowling Alley, Holiday Lanes, and the Red Steer Drive-In. He owned Pomeroy Laundromat and worked several summers for Pomeroy Grain Elevators. No task was beneath him; no job was too small. He believed in work, in showing up, and in doing things the right way.

John is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Greene Boots; his children: Beth Floyd of Cheney, Sara Lawson (Tristan) of Enumclaw, and Olga Boots of Cheney, his sister Mary Davis (Dale) of Lacey, Washington. He was a proud Grandpa/Papa to Tyson Park, Madison Payne, Bralyn Payne, Jensan Lawson, Kinsley Lawson, and Alice Clark.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garnett and Helen Boots, his daughter, Nycole Morgan Clark, and his grandson, John Thomas (J.T) Park.

John's life was not measured in accolades, but in the quiet consistency of faithfulness to his family, his neighbors, his community, and his word. He taught through example, that character is built the same way as any lasting structure: carefully, honestly, and with intention. He leaves a legacy of a life defined by service, integrity, craftsmanship, and devotion to family.

His legacy lives on in the lessons he passed down, the community he strengthened, and the family who will carry forward his name with pride.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:00 AM at Cheney Congregational Church, 423 N. 6th Street, Cheney, WA. The family invites you to share your memories during a buffet luncheon, after the service in the Fellowship Hall.