Carol Joan Butcher's Obituary
Carol Joan Butcher, age 90, passed away peacefully at her great niece's home on June 11, 2024. Carol was born October 31, 1933 in St Louis, Michigan, the daughter of Wesley and Clara (Mountain) Gates. She married the love of her life, J. Richard Butcher, on September 13, 1952. They were married for 67 years, and together they owned and operated multiple businesses, including a toy tractor and doll shop in Wheeler, Michigan and a tractor leasing business that Carol was still involved in at the time of her death.
Carol loved collecting dolls and chickens, and her home was decorated with both. She was an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and she and Richard started a food pantry in 2008 at the Twin Cities SDA church that continues to this day, although the location has changed to Ithaca. Carol also enjoyed reading and playing games with friends and family, and she loved her dogs.
She spent the last 5 months living with Ann and Grant Gimmey, her great niece and nephew, who cared for her with the help of multiple family members and several special neighbors. Ann and Grant's children, Waylon and Dolly Gimmey also did their part to make Aunt Carol's days special. Waylon kissed Aunt Carol goodnight every night at bedtime, and both of them loved that time together.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Clara Gates; husband, Richard; son, James Butcher; sisters, LaVonne Sanders, Shirley Donley, and Mary Jane Painter; and brother, Ronald Gates.
She will be missed by her daughter, Michelle Cicerello; granddaughter, Jessica Butcher; great-grandson, Daxton; step-grandchildren, Jeff Savin and Cheryl Booth; special nieces and nephews, Bill and Chris Butcher, Ann and Grant Gimmey, Kaleb and Kierra Butcher, Kendall, Daniel, Heidi, Heather, Grace and Levi Butcher, and Arnold Donley. She will also be missed by her dog, Willow.
A funeral service in Carol's honor will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Twin Cities Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alma at 1 pm. The family will greet guests starting at 11:30 am until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contribution made in Carol's honor go to the Ithaca Seventh-day Adventist food pantry.
What’s your fondest memory of Carol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carol?
Share a story where Carol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carol you’ll never forget.
How did Carol make you smile?