Kathleen J. Butler

Kathleen J. Butler reunited with her mother, father, and sister in Heaven on July 20th, 2026. She was a bright, warm light in the lives of everyone who was privileged to know her.

There is an often-used phrase, “To know them is to love them,” and in Kathy’s case, this was especially true. She had a way of making everyone feel special. Whether you were her family, acquaintance, or a customer at State Farm where she worked for many years, you felt her compassion and selflessness.

Her proudest accomplishment was her family, and she truly enjoyed bringing everyone together for cookouts or spaghetti dinners. Though slightly chaotic, these meals were filled with laughter, enthusiastic games of Yahtzee, and the most genuine love anyone could ask for.

A talented crocheter, Kathy often made afghans or doilies for her friends and loved ones. She also had a green thumb as evidenced by the dish gardens threatening to take over the kitchen and the over thirty-year-old, enormous Christmas cactus she meticulously cared for that was originally owned by her mother.

She loved flowers, camping at Oquaga Creek with her family, watching hummingbirds from the kitchen window, and taking long drives with her beloved husband, Eric, of over fifty years.

Together, Kathy and Eric raised three children: Richard, Erin, and Sarah. With their spouses, Colleen (Richard), Tom (Erin), and Mike (Sarah), they had four grandchildren to love and spoil—Griffin, Abigail, Tyler, and Mark—and one great-grandchild, Phoenix.

She is also survived by her brothers, brothers-and-sisters-in-law, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

Kathy/Mom/Grandma, you will live on in our hearts. Thank you for the genuine love, the laughter, and your beautiful soul. Until we meet again.

“Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles. I've only gone to rest a while.”

The family wishes to invite friends and loved ones to calling hours on Wednesday, July 29th from 4-6pm at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay Street, Fulton. Memories and smiles are encouraged.