DOWAGIAC, Mich. — Kelly Lynn Butler, 46, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully at Memorial Hospital in South Bend on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, following an unexpected illness.

She was born, in Logansport, May 12, 1972, to her father, Michael (Jane) Buttice and mother, Janet (Phillip) Schleman Mathiak.

She later married Samuel J. Butler on Oct. 1, 2011, in Constantine. He survives her at home.

Also surviving are children Hope Rogers and Cody (Kylee Rowland) Rogers; grandchildren Emma Rogers and Adilyn Miller; siblings Holly Berkshire, Angela Meadows and Troy (Jennifer) Stout, and a host of loving stepsiblings and extended family.

She was preceded by her stepfather, Jackie Cox and her grandparents.

A gathering of family and friends will be at Billings Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elkhart from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m.Thursday, Dec. 27.

Burial will follow at Crane Cemetery in Dowagiac.

Kelly worked as a supervisor in the local RV industry for more than 20 years.

Her real love, however, besides her family, was her undaunted involvement in all types of military charity events.

She was a dedicated member of the Osceola American Legion No. 308 Auxiliary and assisted with many of the USMC Marine Riders of SW Michigan events as well.

She was a strong-willed woman and she will be best remembered for her love and service to her Lord and fellow man and for being an outdoors kind of girl who loved all of God's creatures.

Memorial donations may be given to the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids.

VFW National Home for Children
3573 S Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids MI 48827
Tel: 1-800-424-8360
Web: http://www.vfwnationalhome.org