Gloria Lee Butler, aged 95, passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2026. She graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1950, and her graduating class continued to meet regularly throughout the years. On August 11, 1955, she married John Butler, sharing 56 years of marriage.
Gloria was an artist, known for her woodcarvings of Santa Clauses. She found joy in cooking and baking for family and friends, traveling, gardening, and the companionship of her cats.
Gloria’s warmth, creativity, and generous spirit will live on in every cherished carving, every shared recipe, and every fond memory. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Cherrie Gearhart, her husband, John; her sisters, Sandy Zimmerman and Jo Peterson; her brother, John Gearhart; and her daughters-in- law, Tracey Butler and Dee Butler.
She is survived by her sons, Mike Butler of Vicksburg and Pat Butler of Three Rivers; her grandchildren Michele (Dave) Rigozzi, of Coloma, Diana Butler; her great grandson DJ Rigozzi; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to her cousin Shelley Buckallew and her neighbors Tom and Robin Escamilla for their compassionate care and support in Gloria’s final years.
The family will have a Celebration of Life Gathering on Sunday, April 19th from 1pm to 4pm at the funeral home. Her ashes will be interred along the side of her husband during a private service at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Gloria’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Gloria’s honor to the Kalamazoo Humane Society
The Butler family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.
