Dennis Hitt

Dennis Charles Hitt ”Butch”, 76, passed away at his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon on January 14, 2023, as the result of a tractor accident. He truly lived a life that most people only dream of.

Butch was born March 4, 1946 to John and Fern Lloyd Hitt in Burley, Idaho. He was the youngest of ten children and was raised on a ranch in Malta. He received his education in Burley and Declo, graduating from Declo High School in 1964.

He spent summers in Snowville, Utah with his sister Molly (Carl) and later lived in Declo with his brother Pud (Doris) Hitt. He always worked hard from a young age, whether it was milking cows or running large equipment where he could barely reach the pedals.

Butch attended University of Idaho for one year and then fell in love with his wife of over 50 years, Janis Schmidt. They moved from Idaho to Oregon in August 1969 where he began his ranching career.

At age 23, he started working at Lost River Ranch in Klamath Falls as a cowboy and then later as the Cattle Foreman. After four short years, he moved into the Ranch Manager role. He quickly became acquainted with all aspects of running a complex cattle, hay and grain operation. Butch was also put in charge of the Hereford bulls. At the time, they raised and sold bulls under the Broken Diamond Registered Hereford brand. He traveled the country attending stock shows, showing and selling bulls.  For fun, Butch enjoyed roping, team penning and branding events in Dorris and could often be found at Vowell’s arena in Malin.  After many entry fees and competitions, he took home the Klamath Cattleman’s All-Around Champion belt buckle in 1985.

As Lost River Ranch expanded, he began wintering cows in Elk Creek, California. Many lasting friendships were made at spring brandings. Janis used to enjoy this annual event and her weeklong “vacation” from Butch!

Butch was fortunate to be featured in several industry magazines and news articles and said the key to his success was, “an understanding family and good help; that’s why I’m here. They are the key to a good operation.”

Butch and Janis purchased their own Century Ranch in Langell Valley while he continued his work at Lost River Ranch. They later built their home in Olene and celebrated his retirement after 40 years in 2009. He always said he never worked a day in his life as he enjoyed raising cattle, horses, and his dogs, and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Butch and Janis have five daughters who played sports and took 4-H steers to fair. As a point of pride, all five girls graduated Bonanza High School and earned degrees from Oregon State University. They could always spot their dad’s cowboy hat in the grandstands and always felt the love and support of their parents.

Butch was active in his girls’ school and community. He was on the Bonanza School Committee and site council for many years and 4-H leader of the Olene Buckaroos.  He served as President and Vice President of the Klamath County Cattleman’s Association, Region five Vice President of the Oregon Cattleman’s Association, was on the Klamath Bull Sale Committee for 30 years and attended the Western Ranch Manager’s meetings around the west with Janis.    

Butch’s influence on family, friends and the community is immeasurable. As a friend recently posted, “The Boss, Butch Hitt passed away doing things HIS WAY and with his boots on. He will be greatly missed.”

Butch is survived by his daughters Brenda (Mike) Schrage, Trudy (Denver) Hylemon, Susan (Dave) Campbell, Laura (Brian) Johnson and Katie (John) Dennis. Six grandchildren Zachary, Tyler, Jacob, Mason, Tatum and Lily. Brother Tom (Marie) Hitt, sister Helen Buttars, brothers-in-law Gary (Linda) Schmidt and Mike Schmidt.

Butch was preceded in death by his wife Janis, his parents, brothers, Jack, Ken, Jim “Pud”, Ed, Jerry and sisters, Fern “Sis” Adams, and Mollie Steed.

A graveside service will be held at the Bonanza Cemetery on Saturday, February 4th at 10:00am followed by a celebration of life at the Klamath County Fairgrounds Linman Hall from 1:30pm to 4:00pm.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the friends, neighbors and cowboys who spent time with their Dad. We know it wasn’t always easy but definitely worth it!

In lieu of flowers, please take the time to help or visit with a friend or neighbor. “Don’t wait!”