Juanita Elaine Butler

Elaine was born on October 6th, 1940. She is preceded in death by her husband of almost 56 years, Herschel Butler, her son Charles “Charlie” Butler, her parents Emmett and Hattie Leach and siblings Osa Jones, Maggie Mabrey, Gene Leach, Lorraine Cotton, Betty Stelter, Essie Branch, and Donald Leach.

She is survived by children Herschel (Kim) Butler and Christy (Roy) Groves, grandchildren Nicholas (Abbie) Groves, Taylor Groves, Preston Groves, Anderea (Justin) Miller, Katlyn Butler and Sierra (Craig) Noble and great grandchildren Nick Groves, Anderson Miller, Liam Miller and Lucy Noble. Elaine is also survived by two sisters, Verlene Hill, Doris Radesky and many cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Elaine moved to St. Louis in the early 60’s where she got her first job typing medical records for a hospital. Once she and Herschel married, they settled down in Cahokia where they raised their children. Elaine worked at Kroger for 19 years, retiring in 1986, but she continued to work for a few more years.

Elaine and Herschel liked to travel. They went to Germany, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Washington DC, and many other places. But her favorite trips were Germany, Hawaii, and spending time on any beach. Elaine instilled the love of playing cards and board games in her children and then her grandchildren. A game of Clue (without dice - grandpa’s rules), Phase 10, Rummy or Blitz were the favorites.

Every year Elaine and her siblings looked forward to the annual Leach family reunion, which started in the 60’s. Her siblings would take turns hosting and as they got older, her daughter and her nieces and nephews took over hosting duties. It was a family affair everyone looked forward to - full of love, family bonding, and crazy antics. Even as her health was declining in the past several years, she always would get so excited to see who could make the reunion and share a weekend of fun and activities with the Leach family. It brought her great joy to know her siblings’ children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Visitation for Elaine will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy West, Belleville, IL 62223, followed by a funeral from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.