Obituary of Gertrude Butler

Of Flint, age 88, died at home surrounded by her family and pets that she loved on Friday, January 31, 2014. The funeral service will take place 12:00 noon Friday, February 7, 2014, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris with burial to follow in Flint Memorial Park. The Butler family will be present at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, February 6, 2014, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm then on Friday, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the family fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Gertrude was born October 3, 1925, in Vinemont, Alabama the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John and Eva Ann (Drake) Ayers. She married her "Sweet Tater Pie" Edwin Lee Butler December 22, 1944, in Dillon, South Carolina. Trudy was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Being with her family was her greatest joy. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and canning. Trudy and her husband were members of the Butler/Fanchier Bluegrass Band. They enjoyed performing in churches, nursing homes and on radio stations. She became a member of the Genesee Avenue Free Methodist Church in 1959. She loved and served The Lord by the light of her example. Trudy and Edwin Lee had five beautiful children. After raising her children she began working as a manager at Scotty's Fish-in-Chips in Beecher. She also worked at Kresge's Soda Fountain in the North Flint Plaza and at Kmart in Beecher. While working at Kmart she received "Employee of the Month" three consecutive months in a row. Trudy was known for her kindness and generosity. She never met a stranger and always welcomed others into her home with warm southern hospitality; you never left her home hungry or empty handed. Left to cherish her memory are five children; Alice and husband, Richard Schroeder, Frank Butler, Palma "Polly" Clear, Edwin "Buc" Butler, Kim and husband, Philip Hart; 10 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; and friends; dear friend, companion, and caregiver, Linda Helms; three sisters, Jewell Suggs, Micky Marlow and Ida Belle Little; sister-in-law, Inez Ayers; 4 cats, Cassie, Beckly, Jack and Lily. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edwin Lee; son-in-law, Larry Clear; brother, Jack; granddaughter, Angie; and great-granddaughter, Emily Elizabeth. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the nursing staff from Hospice Advantage for their excellent and compassionate care provided to Trudy during the last days of her life.