Mary Kay Butler-Harrelson

Mary Kay was born December 21, 1946 in Springfield, the daughter of Bernard J. and Irene Elizabeth Langen Butler. She married John P. Harrelson on February 3, 1990 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Springfield.

Mary Kay graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1965 and attended Lincoln Land Community College. Her career began at the Department of Mental Health where she worked from 1966 to 1971. She began working alongside her family at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home in 1979 as Office Manager. In 1995, she began assisting families as an Advance Planning Specialist and Family Service Director, a career which she enjoyed immensely.

Mary Kay was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Academy of Lifelong Learning, Christ the King Legion of Mary, Christ the King Extraordinary Minister, Christ the King Altar and Rosary Society, St. Louise de Marillac Guild, Ladies of Charity, Junior League of Springfield, and the Springfield Art Association. Her family, particularly her grandchildren, were extremely important to her and she enjoyed playing golf, traveling and gardening.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jerry Butler.

She is survived by her husband, John P. Harrelson of Springfield; her son, William R. "Bill" (wife, Kelly) Marriott, Jr. of Springfield, her daughter, Mindy Marriott (husband, Larry) Fontaine of Steamboat Springs, CO; her step-son, Brad (wife, Cindy) Harrelson of Topeka, KS; her step-daughter, Shawn Herrick of Topeka, KS; nine grandchildren, Anna and Molly Marriott of Springfield, Ford and Finley Fontaine of Steamboat Springs, CO, Taylor and Rilee Harrelson of Topeka, KS and Jessie, Tara and Erin Herrick of Topeka, KS; two brothers, John B. "Jack" (wife, Janice) Butler of Springfield and Patrick T. "Pat" (wife, Patty) Butler of New Concord, KY; one aunt, Louise Spencer; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous cousins.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry, Springfield with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Andrew's Buddies of IL, c/o 125 Colony Dr., Inverness, IL 60010.