Judith M. Butler

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Judith M. Butler, recently of Dubuque, passed away Aug. 17, 2017, surrounded by love.

Born Feb. 11, 1946, in Chicago to Robert and Norma Garvin, she grew up and attended school in Antioch, Ill. There, she met and absconded with the heart of James Butler, the love of her life. They married, settled down and raised daughters, Maureen and Lisa in DeKalb, Ill., where Judi worked as court clerk for DeKalb County and then as a calligrapher at Creative Calligraphy in DeKalb. Upon retirement, Jim and Judi relocated to Lake Gogebic, Mich., where they enjoyed many years “Up North.”

Judi enjoyed creating beautiful art through writing, oil painting, quilting, ceramics and crafting. She had great times cooking for and spending time with a wonderful circle of friends and spirited family. She was a member of the Lake Gogebic Fireflies, Quilting Club, Garden Club and a Dinner Club with treasured lake friends. All who knew her knew her kind and sweet spirit, which was with her to her final breath.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Norma Lowe.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, James Butler of Dubuque; daughters, Maureen (Mark) Niedenthal of Danville, Ill., and Lisa (Scott) Gurman of Dubuque; sisters, Peggy Van Patten of Chandler, Ariz., Kathy Miller of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., and Wendy Carey of Louisville, Ky .; as well as many loving brothers- and sisters in-law, and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation for the kind and compassionate care received at Finley Hospital. We have nothing but admiration and thanks for the doctors, nurses and technicians who attended to her.

Should you want to memorialize Judi and honor her life-long love of animals, please donate to any of the following, TAILS Humane Society, DeKalb, Ill .; Hope Animal Shelter, Ironwood; or Dubuque Regional Humane Society, Dubuque, Iowa.