Faye Butler

Faye Butler was an incredible wife and mother who, through her commitment to her family, redefines the concept of unconditional love. The common threads throughout her tapestry of life were her thoughtful words, her selfless deeds, and her compassionate spirit, but it was her tender heart that knew no bounds that set her apart from the rest. Faye had a full, caring heart, and everyone who spent time with her felt the warmth of her presence.

Although the Great Depression hit many families hard during the 1930s, Carl and Ethel (Thompson) Hall of Plainwell, Michigan was blessed with many gifts. Among them was their beautiful daughter, Faye, born on August 17, 1933. A bright and energetic little girl, Faye grew up in Plainwell with her younger sister, Carol. Her parents both worked to provide for their family – her father was a carpenter/electrician while her mother worked for the phone company. Faye received her education in the Plainwell Public Schools until high school, and then she attended a private school, where she graduated in 1951. It wasn’t long after that Faye met her first husband, Robert Johnson, and they were married. They had four children together: Robert, Michael, Carlene and Dave (who died at birth), and raised their family in Plainwell. Unfortunately, her marriage to Robert ended in 1964.

An immensely devoted mother, Faye’s first priority was always her children. She worked hard to provide for them, working at Meijer and then at Van Buren County Mental Health, while also supporting them in all their school and life endeavors. Life was busy, and Faye wasn’t looking for anyone to share it with at the time; however, fate had other plans for her and she was soon introduced to Duane Butler through her friends, Ann and Ralph, and with that their love story had begun. A match made in heaven, Duane told Faye on their first date that he would marry her one day – and he did! They spent the next 42 years together, raising their six children (her three kids plus his three kids – Mark, Pamela and Timothy), and sharing wonderful memories as a family. They lived in Plainwell for a while before moving out to Bloomingdale, where they raised hogs. Faye and Duane were both animal lovers, so it wasn’t long before their home was one big menagerie of pets, which included horses, dogs, cats, hogs and rabbits, among others. They also owned and operated the Country Cupboard Grocery Store in Grand Junction together, where their customers were treated like family.

Family was Faye’s true passion, and she always went the extra mile to make holidays at her home a special time. She was a gracious host, enjoying every moment with all her family, while Duane did most of the cooking. Yet, if anyone ever came into the store hungry, Faye could whip up something good for them in a second. She was generous to a fault so no one in need was ever turned away. Her warm, genuine nature was ever present when she sat down and talked with customers at the store. She truly filled a room with her presence, and left a lasting impression with everyone she met.

Faye was a big fan of her son Michael’s music that he wrote, and perhaps he was the inspiration for her putting her talents to use as a poet. Her heart truly spoke to her in the following poem she wrote:

Two Souls were united in heaven today &

One said to the other, “What took you so long?

I’ve waited & waited & feared you’d not come.”

And the other replied, “Rejoice for now I am here!

You needn’t have feared for I’d not let you down.”

Two souls were united in Heaven today &

merged into one in the clouds up above.

God smiled and the angel chorus sang with joy-

As two souls were united in Heaven Today.

Faye will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Faye Butler, age 81, of Plainwell, MI passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at the Countryside Nursing Home in South Haven. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Saturday, November 22, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams Street (685-5881). A funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

Faye’s family includes her children: Michael (Rose) Johnson, Carlene (Ron) Strickler, Mark (Lara) Butler, Pamela Butler, Timothy Butler and daughter-in-law Joanne; her grandchildren: John Caine Johnson, Nicholas Robert Johnson and many others; 20 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Duane, and her son, Robert Johnson. Please visit Faye’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online.