Obituaries

Mary Catherine (Love) Butler, born on August 9, 1949, peacefully passed away on May 19, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Madison, WI. Mary's life began in Greenwood, MS, where she was born to Mattie Lou (Walker) Love and George Washington Love, both of whom preceded her in death. Mary was one of twelve children, with nine siblings preceding her in death: George Love, Georgia Hunt, Robbie Nunn, Ethel Love, Larry Love, Elizabeth Love, Eugene Love, and Emma Love. She is survived by three siblings, Johnny and Willie Love of Madison, WI, and Lonnie Love of Florida. Mary leaves behind her beloved husband, Christopher Butler, and their four children, Michelle (Fred) Buckingham, Milwaukee, WI; Tyrone Buckingham, Fitchburg, WI; Felicia Butler, Madison, WI; and Krystal Butler, Madison, WI. Her legacy also includes five grandchildren: Tyrece (Danielle) Buckingham, Midlothian, IL; Mirah Butler, Madison, WI; Maia (Ra'Jaun) Butler; Daniella Buckingham-Birts, Milwaukee, WI; Myles Butler, Madison, WI. She was also a great-grandmother to Tyson Buckingham, Ra'Mya Bebley, Keith Dismuke III, Ky'Mani Dismuke, and Kh'Lanna Dismuke. Mary's love extended to her many nieces and nephews, her cherished cat Cynthia, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

Chris and Mary were married on July 28, 1979, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Madison, WI, by the late Reverend Dawson, who also baptized Mary. Mary's commitment to her community was unwavering. She enjoyed singing in the church choir at Mt. Zion for over 20 years. Later in life, she became a St. Paul Lutheran Church member where she served on the Leadership Council, and was an Altar Guild team member. Mary's professional life was also a testament to her dedication. She worked as a librarian at Lindbergh Elementary School for several years and then retired as a preschool teacher from Headstart after more than 20 years of teaching. Following her retirement, Mary continued to give back, dedicating her time to volunteering in her community. She was involved in opening the River Food Pantry, received the River Award, volunteered at the Warner Park Community Center, Northside Senior Luncheon, The Aging and Disability Resource Center, Breakfast with Santa, and helped out at her church pantry, always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

Mary's love for her family and friends was boundless. She played a massive role in helping to raise her grandkids and great-grandkids, always there with a loving hand and a warm heart. Every friend Mary had was cherished by her wholeheartedly, a testament to her capacity for love and friendship. Anyone who knows Mary knows that one of her favorite ways to describe herself was "I'm a little bitty woman, but I am well put together" and that she was in heart, mind, and spirit. Mary will truly be missed and forever loved.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. A Visitation will take place from 11:00 am-12:30 pm at the church on Friday. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257