Jeanne Butler

Jeanne Butler passed away on Thursday May 18, 2023 at the age of 74.

Jeanne was born in Altus, Oklahoma. In her teens, she moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, where she met her high school sweetheart, Max, a rowdy young man who she would marry and grow old with. Together they started businesses: rental stores, arcades–what Max could dream up, she could make work in reality. In the early 80’s, they sold everything to go to Bible school, following their desire to find a deeper spiritual life. Her career ranged from being a telephone operator, a business owner, a minister, and an IRS agent. A loving mother of two children, Jeanne took pride in enriching the lives of her kids by introducing them to new things and showing them the world. And her grandkids were always guaranteed some creative crafts and cookies (and coffee...if you were old enough). Later in life, when Max became sick, she was his diligent caregiver while working full time and managing the home.

Jeanne had a lot of love to give and always put others first. She spent years visiting others in a nursing home. When she took time for herself, she loved to retreat to a cabin in the mountains for hiking, jigsaw puzzles, or trying to learn to paint or draw. She loved to study the Bible. She enjoyed getting wrapped up in movies and books (and especially book shopping). Riding her bike around the neighborhood would always bring a smile to her face, even in her later years.

In her last years, her health was hit hard. She lost access to many of her memories, but despite losing such a vital piece of identity, she was ever herself: interested in others, always finding something to laugh about in the day, appreciative. Even after losing command of her words, she often could still convincingly suggest that she had replied with something witty.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Max; parents, Eugene and Wilma Deyette; her sister Kay, and brother Jerry. She is survived by her children Julie Gray and Brian Butler, son-in-law Allen Gray and daughter-in-law Carla Butler, grandchildren Kelsey, Caleb, Noah, Emma and Jude, and great granddaughter Maisy.

Jeanne was a special kind of strong: a gentle but fierce force of light that held her whole family together.