Born in Lansing, MI, at age sixteen Gwen was invited, as a singer, to travel with a Big Band of that era. Fortunately, her parents would not consent. Married at seventeen, she raised her two daughters, Carol and Janette, and two sons, Bruce and Terry, as an Air Force wife. This life caused her to uproot her family seventeen times within seven states plus Japan. Her passions included family - and tracing their genealogy, high heels, sewing – especially with her best friend Karen Kelly, and playing computer games.
Survivors are her children Carol Parks (Kurt), Bruce Butler (Patti), Janette Ryan (Bill); 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Terry Butler.
