Louise K. Button

Louise Kathryn Button (nee Smith), age 95, formerly of Rochester Hills, MI, passed away on September 22, 2022 in Grand Rapids. Born on June 7, 1927 to Walter and Amelia (Bullinger) Smith in Toledo, OH she grew up on her family’s farm in Petersburg, MI.

As a young child Louise really didn’t enjoy her music lessons. It wasn’t until Louise got it a bit older the love for music would bloom, leading her to make it her career. Louise was a talented violinist, pianist, and teacher who loved sharing the gift of music with others. She received a degree from Eastern Michigan University in music education and a Masters in Music from University of Michigan. She taught for 22 years in public schools at Petersburg, MI, Toledo, OH, Jackson, MI, Utica, MI, Waterford, MI, and Warren, MI. Then taught privately, beginning in 1961, for 45 plus years.

Louise was a proud member of the American String Teachers, National Piano Teachers Guild, and Union Local 784 American Federation of Musicians. She was a member of the Oakland/Pontiac Symphony and Rochester Symphony. She and her late husband Robert also played in The Goodson Quartet.

Together Louise and Bob shared a great love of travel, visiting most of the 50 states plus traveling to Australia, New Zealand, and several countries in Europe. However, no time was more treasured than that spent at their cabin in the woods at Presque Isle, “The Buttonhole.”

Louise was preceded in death by her husband Robert E. Button in 2006, her parents, three brothers- in-law and two sisters-in-law. She is survived by her brother-in-law Paul Button; sister-in-law Alice Button Chema; nieces Barbara (dec. Kenneth) Harrison, Jodee (Thomas) Smith, Susan (William Blake) Button; five great-nieces and one great-nephew; as well as many former students.

Visitations will be held on Friday October 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel (2815 Fuller Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505). A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. to celebrate Louise’s life. She will be laid to rest next to her husband October 22, 2022 at Pleasant View Cemetery in Petersburg, MI at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (620 Romeo St. Rochester, MI 48307).