Mary Lou was born May 22, to William J. “Bryan” and Lucy Meyer Tucker in Harvel, Illinois. She married James Russell Butler on November 18, 1944 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Girard, IL. He preceded her in death in 2002.
Mrs. Butler was a graduate of Girard High School. She had been employed as a human resource director for S.S. Kresge Corporation for many years. After her retirement, she volunteered at Just for Kids Daycare in Sherman. In her spare time, she enjoyed serving lunches to customers at the Final Four Bar and Grill in Sherman. She was a member of St. Cabrini Parish assisting with parish luncheons and serving the poor through the Church Helping Hands program. Mary Lou enjoyed dancing, playing cards, flower gardening, and socializing with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary Lou was also preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.
She is survived by her son: James (Kim) Butler of Sherman; three daughters: Mary Ann (John) Lough of Elm Grove, WI, Rose Butler of Springfield, and Judith (Robert) Gilbert of Swansea, MA; seven grandchildren, John Russell (Kim)Lough, Paul (Amy) Lough, Eric (Shanna) Lough, Jamie (Jon) Butler, Jackie (Trey) Summers, Julie (Rebecca) Gilbert, and Brendan Gilbert; 16 great-grandchildren; three siblings, Jo Ann Rettberg, Jerry Tucker and Dave Tucker; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at St. Cabrini Catholic Church with the Rev. Kevin Mann, S.J.C., celebrant.
Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield, IL.
