Margaret (Ray) Butts' Obituary
Margaret (Ray) Butts, 93, of Decatur passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Margaret was born on December 4, 1930, in East Alton, IL. She graduated from East Alton Wood River Community High School. She was married to James Butts on December 30, 1950. They raised their children in Mt. Zion, IL. She was a wonderful wife and mother. Margaret and Jim met at Scott Air Force Base. Jim spotted her and asked her to dance. They enjoyed traveling and a favorite spot was Branson, MO. In the family, she was known as the queen of Yahtzee. She was affectionately called Memaw by her grandchildren and their friends. Her passion was baking and those talents were enjoyed by family, neighbors and friends at church. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 60 years. She served in many capacities at the church and especially enjoyed working with children and baking for others.
Those who will miss Margaret include her son Jimmy (Becky), daughters Judy Cox (Jeff) and Lisa Cepielik (Rob). She adored her grandchildren: Josh Butts, Luke Butts, Lynnae Gittleman (Tieler), Sam Cepielik, Dan Cepielik (Tessa), and Olivia Cepielik. She was blessed with two great grandchildren: Macsen Butts and Levi Butts.
She was reunited in heaven with her husband James who passed away on August 17, 2006, her parents, Everett and Lavadah Ray and her brothers Charles, Jack and Jimmy Ray.
A private graveside service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held at a later date.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.moranandgoebel.com
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?