Juanita LeFavor Butler's Obituary
Juanita Butler's life was remarkable, not only because she lived 104 years, but because she lived those years to the fullest. Born in 1915 to parents, Belle and Jerome Kiser, Juanita lived in Big Rapids during most of her school-age years. However, in 1929, when Juanita was a freshman in High School, her family moved to Lakeview for a brief period. In that period she met Frederick Butler, the young man whom she would marry in 1933, after she graduated from Big Rapids High School.
Fred worked for the owner of the Lakeview Enterprise, and in 1943, Fred and Juanita purchased the paper. They both worked in the newspaper business, along with raising a family of 6 children - 1 son and 5 daughters. Juanita sold and set up ads, set up the linotype, proofed pages, folded and delivered papers. They owned and operated the paper until 1975 when Fred decided to 'retire' and they sold the paper to daughter Paula and her husband Clay Davis.
Both Juanita and Fred were active involved members of the Lakeview community all of their lives. Juanita joined the Lakeview United Church of Christ in 1955 and held many roles in the church over the years. In 1999, Juanita began serving as a Foster Grandparent at Lakeview Elementary, helping young people to read and write, spell, and with basic math skills. EightCAP, the agency who operates the Foster Grandparent Program in Montcalm County, honored her as their 'Volunteer of the Year' in 2007. She was honored in 2009 as the Person of the Year for the American Red Cross, West Michigan Chapter, for her volunteerism since the 1960's.
In 1995, Juanita was one of a small group of people who believed Lakeview should have a Museum. She was a founding Board Member for the Museum, which opened in 1996, and Chaired the Board for 10 years during the development of the Museum. In 2012, the Lakeview Area Community Foundation honored Juanita with the 'Quality of Life Award' - a special honor which is given annually to a person who has made a special contribution in the community.
Juanita enjoyed gardening, playing cards, traveling, reading, baking, and making her signature handmade cards with pressed flowers. She will be remembered for her spirited approach to life by her six children, Ben (JoAnn) Butler, Udena Gay (Rick) Norton, Diana (Lyal) Norwood, Denise (George) Hubbard, Paula (Bob) Hampson, and Terri (Russ) Bush; twenty-four grandchildren, forty-four great grandchildren, and 30 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Butler in 1983; parents, Jerome and Laura Kiser and Belle and Victor Abrahamson; brother, Kenneth Kiser; and grandchildren Tim Butler and Shelby Van Meer.
A memorial visitation with the family will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday, May 16 and the funeral service will be 1 pm Friday, May 17th. Both events will take place at the Lakeview United Church of Christ, 115 W. Fifth Street, Lakeview, with Pastor Dave England officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the United Church of Christ, Hospice of Michigan, or Lakeview Area Museum. More information is available online at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com
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