"EJ, my love and prayers are with you during this sad time. Let your memories help ease the hurt and soon you will smile again. Love, Mark, Teresa, Matt and Jon"
In loving memory of
Ruth E. Butler
April 6, 1917 - May 6, 2002
Ruth E. Butler, 85, of Big Bay, died Monday morning, May 6, 2002 at Marquette General Hospital.
Mrs. Butler was born on April 6, 1917 in Houghton, Michigan to the late Joseph and Catherine (McGrath) Hillenbrand. She was a graduate of Visitation High School in Detroit and also the Detroit Business College. She married Edward J. Butler on June 22, 1940 in Detroit and he preceded her in death on May 11, 1997.
Ruth was formerly employed for U.S. Rubber during World War II and later for Cunningham Drug in Detroit.
After retiring, Ruth and her late husband, Edward enjoyed traveling and spending time at their cottage on Squaw Beach. She was a member of St. Peter Cathedral.
She is survived by her son, E.J. (Becky) Butler of Kennesaw, GA; two grandchildren, Todd (Joey) Butler of Vinings, GA and Beth Butler White and her husband Adam of Athens, GA; one great granddaughter, Sophie Jayd Butler; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Butler of Marquette; also 20 nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death besides her parents and husband, were sisters, Kay Ulmer, Eleanor Weber and a brother, Jake Hillenbrand.
Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. where a parish prayer service will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Peters Cathedral with the Rev. Msgr. Louis C. Cappo officiating. Interment will take place in the Powell Township Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Peter TenEyck, Barry Cleary, William Cleary, Patrick Cleary, Richard Hennessy, Jack Butler, Don Barry, and Joe Beaudry.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the NMU Development Fund for a nursing scholarship to be established in Ruth E. Butlers memory c/o 526 N. Third St., Marquette, MI 49855.
Tributes
"E.J. - I know how special your Mother was to you. And I know how special you must have been to her. She seemed like a precious lady - I know she'll make a beautiful Angel! You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Dear E. J. and Family: Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your mom. We certainly know how special they are. May she rest in peace. Corporate Marketing Department National Envelope Corporation Bernie Mathieu Barbara Borys Josephine Martinez Jerzy Kupiszewski Cathy Clay"
"Dear E.J. Thinking of you and wishing you strenght in your time of sorrow. May memories of the times you shared with your mother bring you confort as time goes by. With Sympathy."
"EJ, I am certainly thinking about you and your family during this sad time. I know this has been a long journey for you. You are in my prayers. Carla Moffitt"
"Dear EJ, I was very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Rick Huntoon"
"Dear EJ and Becky, We extend to you our deepest sympathy for your loss. We know that after a long seperation your mom and dad are together again and are resting easy. You are fortunate that you had a long and happy time together and your mom and dad will always be with you in your thoughts and prayers. We are sorry that we were never able to meet your mon and dad because they were great people who made our lives more enjoyable, because they gave us you to be a friend. We apologize that we are unable to be with you, but if there is "anything" that we can do to help, just let us know. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Susan and James"
"Dear E.J., We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother, Ruth. We are saddened that we never had the privilage of meeting her. She must have been a wonderful woman to have had such a great son. Please know that you are in our prayers daily. Take comfort in knowing that your mother is young again, walking hand and hand with your father, and happier than she has been in such a long time. We must believe, or there is no hope for the grieving. We promise that it is true. Take care...until we see you again. Our love, Sharon & Jeff Doliner"
"Dear EJ, No words can relieve you from the pain you must be going through, but please draw strength in knowing that Grandma Butler is in a better place now with Grandpa Butler. We love you very much and are keeping you and Grandma wrapped tightly around our hearts and deeply in our prayers. With All Our Love, Joey Todd and Sophie."
"Dear EJ, We are so saddened with the news about Ruth. She was such an energetic woman and she will be forever missed by all of us that knew her. She's in a place where she is healthy, happy, with your dad, her family and Sugar and BoBo nearby, keeping her company. We will all be able to look back fondly on the truly fun times we all shared. Love, Sheila and Mitch"
"Dear E.J. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at your time of sorrow. Respectfully, Jay Grindell"
"EJ, You have my deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of your mother. I am sorry that I did not have the opportunity to meet her. I know she was an exceptional lady who is now reunited with her husband and they can be together forever, happy and healthy again. Relish the memories, they will bring you comfort. Love, Lois"
"E.J. My thoughts and prayers are with you. If I can do anything for you, or if you need anything at all, please let me know. Take care. Larry"
"SHE WAS A GREAT LADY."
"E.J. Having not gone through the loss of a parent I can only imagine the feeling you are now having. Please accept my sincere sympathies."
"EJ, We love you dearly and have thought of constantly during this painful time. We can't imagine the grief you must feel, and we regret that we couldn't be there to help you shoulder it. I am confident Grandma Butler will always be with us, enriching our lives with wonderful memories of all the times we spent with her. She was a strong and generous lady who will be greatly missed. We love you and can't wait for you to come home. Love, Beth and Adam"
"Pleasent momories had some nice trips, never forget that smile."
"Dear EJ & Becky, Nancy and I are both so taken by your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies. You both are in our prayers and in our hearts. May you Mom rest in God's loving arms. Take Care, Nancy & Aaron Hyte Noah, Rebekah & Louis"
"Dear E.J., I hope this finds you in better spirits than when we were last together. I know how hard this is and all though it may seem tuff to imagine - It truly does get better. You have a wonderful family (as I might have imagined) I am so glad I was able to be a part of your mothers service. My mother loved you so much, I know she is glad I was able to be there. When I went to see her for Mother's Day I told her all about it. I also asked Memaw to look Ruth up and show her around -- E.J. you are a wonderful son, you spaired nothing,you should have no regrets, only great memories. You must keep them with you always and both your parents will remain alive in your heart forever. Until HE Comes or we join them in Heaven.... I Love You, Connie P.S. Thanks for everything you do, We are all so very blessed to have you in our family. May God The Father bring you peace."
"EJ & Becky - Know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers through this tremendous sorrow you are enduring. Having a parent to enjoy for so long only makes the loss more difficult to bear. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Glenn & Susan"
"EJ so sorry I was not able to be at the services for your mom(Auntie Ruthie).Lots of wounderful memories of both you mom and dad. Barb"