Martha Jane Butts

Martha's life began on September 17, 1922 in Hartland, Mich., the daughter of Lorrin J. and Caroline A. (Swann) Miller. She was united in marriage to Ralph E. Butts on January 24, 1945 in Atlas, Mich. at the Atlas Baptist Community Church. Martha worked on the family dairy and fruit farm and made the best cider in town. She was a substitute mail carrier and sorter for several years. Martha worked at the Grand Blanc Perry Middle School in the cafeteria and also at Grant's Department Store in Grand Blanc. Martha and Ralph were the grand marshals of Grand Blanc's Sesquicentennial Parade. She was very crafty and loved to knit and crochet, even making teddy bears. Martha continued to sew pillows for heart patients in Florida where she and Ralph spent many winters. She was involved in bringing underprivileged children to church in Frostproof, Fla. Martha loved to watch the birds at the many bird feeders at her Dowagiac home. Her loving family includes her children Frank L. (Marsha) Butts, David J. (Catherine) Butts, both of Dowagiac, Mich., and Caroline G. (Al) Bunikis of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister Dorothy Fader of Grand Blanc; cousin Ruth Sheets of Boyne City, Mich.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Martha passed away on Monday, January 25, 2010, at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph E. Butts, grandson Andrew Bunikis and a brother Morris Miller. Her family will gather with friends on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel (405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI 49047) and Friday from noon – 2 p.m. at Hill Funeral Home (11723 S. Saginaw Street; Grand Blanc, MI 48439) where her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. led by Reverend John Kasper of the Dowagiac United Methodist Church. She will be laid to rest in Crestwood Memorial Cemetery in Grand Blanc. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Dowagiac United Methodist Church. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Martha at www.yazel-clark.com.