Maxine B. Butcher

It seems as though there was rarely a dull moment when Maxine Butcher was around since she had a vitality for life that radiated to others within her reach. She worked hard throughout her life, but knew how to enjoy life too and always made sure that others around her had fun also. Maxine was a dedicated mother who did more than just raise her children, and she trained them in character issues that would shape them into adults she could be proud of. She enjoyed a great many things throughout her life, including gathering among her beloved family where she truly loved to be.

There were numerous events that made the year 1919 an unforgettable one. America was beginning to move forward after the flu pandemic killed well over 600,000 citizens the year before, and servicemen who served during WWI were resuming the lives they left behind. Industry was shifting to meet peacetime needs, and jobs were becoming more plentiful. It was also during this year that there was celebration in the family of Sidney and Angeline Stafford as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Maxine, on January 20th in Vicksburg, Michigan. Maxine was one of 11 children in her family and in the Stafford home, the family shared everything from clothes, to chores, to beds. Her father worked in the local paper mill while her mother stayed home to tend to the household needs and caring for the children.

From an early age Maxine learned traits that would stay with her throughout her lifetime. One such trait was a strong work ethic as she was never one to sit around and was willing to help with whatever she could. Maxine learned to cook and clean from her mother, and she also learned the reality that there are no free rides in life – if she wanted something, she would need to work for it. It was also as a young girl that Maxine developed her great sense of humor since she lived with older brothers who were jokesters. On her first day of kindergarten, Maxine was the butt of one of their jokes which resulted in her getting sent home that day. Luckily, she did make it through the school day the following day and for many days thereafter as she attended school through the 10th grade.

A new chapter in Maxine’s life began when she married the young man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was Clifford Leroy Butcher and they were married in Indiana in a double wedding with her sister Arley and her sweetheart, Jonathan Sherman. Although they were married on July 16, 1937, the wedding would have taken place earlier except that Cliff was too young to legally get married so he needed to return home to get a note from his parents! Following their glorious wedding day, the couples honeymooned at Turkey Run State Park in Indiana where they slept on the ground. Not long after they were married, the couple was blessed with the birth of their son Thomas, in 1939, who was followed by their daughter Sandra, in 1944.

To Maxine, there was no higher calling than that of being a mother and she fully immersed herself into caring for the needs of her children. She impressed upon their hearts the importance of not only a strong work ethic, but also that if they wanted something, it would have to be earned. Maxine insisted that her children show respect to others – especially adults, and that their grandparents were always right. Life was always an adventure with the Butchers too. Cliff was a truck driver and liked to be on the move. It was not uncommon for their family to pick up and go on vacation or even to move to a new home at the drop of a hat. Family was always of the utmost importance to Maxine and recognizing every birthday, anniversary, and holiday from the dates she meticulously kept on her calendar was just one of her special touches. The holidays were always such a precious time to Maxine as she recognized that the parties were a time to get together and create memories together that would last a lifetime.

Although caring for her family occupied much of Maxine’s time, she also enjoyed many other interests as well. She worked outside the home for many years and always made sure she arrived to work early in order to prepare for the day. Through their many family adventures, Maxine saw most of the country but enjoyed the warmth and plentiful sunshine in Florida the best. Although she saved much of her money throughout her life, Maxine knew how to spend her money on the important things in life.

Later in life, Maxine experienced both peaks and valleys along her journey. She was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Cliff in 1985 and the void his absence left behind was certainly something she felt. Maxine kept moving forward, however, and her family and sisters helped fill the void somewhat. She maintained her positive outlook and perspective on life while continuing to enjoy many of the interests she loved. Maxine became extremely close to her sisters since they often gathered to play cards, share stories, and laugh. Although she never learned to drive, she was still able to go to Florida with her daughter Sandy and her son-in-law Ed.

Eventually Maxine’s health began to decline and she required more care than her family was able to provide. She then moved into Borgess Nursing Home in Kalamazoo. Although remaining at home was always her greatest desire, Maxine fit right in to her new community and took part in many of the daily activities and special events.

Throughout her life, Maxine Butcher sparkled with the vast amounts of love that was in her heart. She worked hard during much of her life yet she knew how to take the time to drink in each and every moment, even when the storms of life blew her way. Maxine loved the Florida sunshine, but she was always happiest wherever her family was gathered. She was kind and compassionate, fun-loving and full of energy – truly a woman who was so easy to love. Maxine will be dearly missed by all those she leaves behind.

Maxine Butcher died at Borgess Gardens on Friday, November 20. 2009. Maxine’s family includes her daughter Sandra (Ed) Lester of Kalamazoo, 4 grandchildren, 11great grandchildren, daughter-in-law Betty Butcher, and sister Connie Lovejoy. Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Clifford Leroy Butcher, a son Thomas Butcher, a grandson Kevin Lester, and 9 brothers and sisters. Visit with Maxine’s family and friends and share light refreshments, Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the same location. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation Borgess VNA Hospice.