Jane Davis Butler

Mrs Butler was born Elsie Jane Davis in Jackson, Ohio on 29 July 1924 to Charles E. and Lois W. Davis. Her early life was spent in several small towns in Southeastern Ohio as her father moved up the ranks as a school teacher, coach, and administrator. Her Aunt insisted Elsie was not a name for a little girl and began to call her Baby Jane ... the name quickly stuck and for the rest of her life she was known as Jane. The family came to Lima when Mr Davis became the principal of South High School in the late 1930s. Jane graduated from South High School, where she met her future husband, in 1942. She attended Miami University, Oxford, Ohio graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1946. From the time she was in 7th grade until she graduated college she had straight A’s except for a B in modern dance (though her Mother insisted that Jane danced better than the teacher).

Jane married Lowell R. Butler, of Butler’s Drug Store, on 22 December 1945 following his service in the South Pacific during World War II. The couple shared a life-long partnership that brought them children, wonderful adventures, and cherished friendships. During her life, Jane visited 49 states (sorry, Oklahoma) and several overseas locations . She possessed a keen and analytic mind and she loved to read, evaluate, and discuss literature. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, Chi Omega, PEO, and several other women’s groups. Jane carried on a lively written correspondence through the years writing notes and letters each week to friends and family. With her beautiful handwriting and conversant writing style, a letter from her felt like she was in the room talking to you.

Jane was a superb seamstress, a skill she shared with others by teaching sewing and tailoring at the YWCA. She was a prolific knitter and produced beautiful sweaters, blankets, hats and other items for family and friends, even leaving a legacy of a bag full of handmade Christmas stockings for future family members. Jane taught Sunday School and served on the Board at Grace United Methodist Church, sewed costumes for the Rotary Boy Choir and Lima Senior Pep Band, was a Scout Leader, and spent countless hours assisting young women who needed a friend and mentor. She volunteered as a docent at the Allen County Museum for over 30 years giving tours to hundreds of visiting children and families. Jane's sons called her “Mother Nature” as she loved the outdoors and on family vacations always insisted that Lowell stop to explore hiking trails, parks, and scenic views. Jane adored sailing, snow-skiing, riding bicycles, swimming, snorkling ... and she could still tap-dance on her 90th Birthday!

Jane is survived by her husband, Lowell R. Butler of Westerville, OH, also formerly of Lima, OH and her sister Joan D. Runyeon, of San Rafael, CA. She is also survived by her sons Steven D. (Linda) Butler of Westerville, OH, Christopher M. (Mary L.) Butler of Charleston, SC, and Mark E. (Mary M.) Butler of Beavercreek, OH, her granddaughter, 6 grandsons, 10 great-grandchildren, her niece, and 3 nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Guy C. and Goldie M. Butler, and an infant daughter, Patricia Joan "Patty Jo" Butler.

The family sends a heartfelt "Thank You" to the staff of Parkside Village, Black Stone Home Care, and VITAS Healthcare for their kindness and compassion.

The family will meet and gather with friends beginning at 9:00 AM on Saturday, 23 May 2015 followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home and interment at Memorial Park. Rev Bryan Bucher, of Shawnee United Methodist Church, will officiate and be assisted by Mrs. Butler’s niece and goddaughter, Rev Katherine Jane Runyeon. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to the Allen County Historical Society, 620 W. Market St. Lima, Ohio 45801.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Condolences may be left online at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com