Ardath M. Butcher

Ardath married Stewart M. Butcher on May 18, 1945 and spent 22 years traveling together while Stewart was in the Navy. She graduated from the State Hospital Training School for Nurses and worked for over 20 years at the Traverse City State Hospital. She was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church in Traverse City and helped to found the Memory Hill burial space at the church. She always kept busy gardening and volunteering at the Women’s Resource Center after she retired. In her free time she enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crocheting; she made most of her own clothes.

Ardath is survived by her children Larry Butcher, Janet Bauman, John (Carolyn) Butcher, and Susan (Bob Green) Taylor, 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stewart, son James S. Butcher, and her three brothers. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Bay Ridge Assisted Living and Hospice of Michigan for their wonderful care and help.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 12pm at the First Christian Church in Traverse City, with visitation one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Christian Church in Traverse City. Please share your fond memories and condolences at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Kingsley.