Marcia Lou Butters

After a lifetime of faithful service, Marcia Lou Butters was called home on April 19, 2024, by the heavenly father she loyally served.  

Mrs. Butters, known as Grandma Butters to many grandkids and school kids, was born on February 7, 1929, to Leon and Inez Hammontree in Petoskey, Michigan.  

She married Darrel Frederick Butters on February 22, 1947, and they had five children, Terry, Vicki, Randy, Polly, and Jerry.  The family lived in Homer, Michigan.

Mrs. Butters gave her life to Christ in 1952, a decision that had a life-changing impact on her family and so many others. She immediately became involved with church activities, including teaching Sunday School.

In 1962, when their children were all in school, Mr. Butters encouraged his wife to use her gift of teaching to become a schoolteacher.  After attending Spring Arbor College, Mrs. Butters began her career as an English teacher in Homer in 1966 and continued teaching there until her retirement in 1993.  However, she did not leave the role as teacher behind, continuing her love for teaching as a substitute teacher at Homer Public Schools for 23 years until her second and final retirement in 2016.   As she sometimes subbed for her own grandchildren who called her grandma, she became known as Grandma Butters to many students and young people throughout the community.

Committed to her Lord and Savior and teaching about the gospel, Mrs. Butters continued to teach Sunday School and plan vacation bible schools as a faithful member of West Eckford Missionary Church and Homer United Methodist Church for life.

Unofficially, her teaching continued as she welcomed couples and individuals into her home for private Bible studies, including a Wednesday evening study for 10 years preceding her passing.  One of her greatest joys in later years was also teaching her homeschooled great grandchildren by computer, which they affectionately named Grammar with Grandma.

Mrs. Butters’ passion for helping others learn about Jesus and English/Grammar was matched only by her desire to show love daily and serve others.  Her door was always open, and she welcomed her grandchildren regularly to help with homework or share snacks in her treat drawer.  She also regularly opened her home to family and friends who needed an extended stay during hard times or needed care with health issues. 

Reflecting on her life, she lived the greatest commandments outlined in Matthew 22:37-39 very well: Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Indeed, she loved the Lord with her heart, soul, and mind, and she loved her neighbors as herself.  

Mrs. Butters is survived by her children, Vicki, Randy and Polly; 13 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; nine siblings; her husband, Darrel; two sons, Terry and Jerry; and grandson, Matthew.   

A celebration of life will be held in Homer. Details are yet to be determined.    

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Homer EMT/Fire Department, 130 E Main St Homer, MI 49245.

Arrangements are by Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Also, please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.