Barbara Jean (Smith) Butcher

Barbara Jean Butcher, 83, of Virden, Illinois died on March 22 at Lakeside Health and Rehab Center in Carlinville, Illinois.

Barbara was born on February 11, 1942, to Wyndal E. and Mary E. Robinson Smith of Hagaman, Illinois. She married O. Allen Butcher and his young family on August 7, 1964, in Virden, Illinois. A 1960 graduate of Carlinville High School, Barb worked for the telephone company in Virden before marrying and taking on her special mom duties. She was a volunteer for Sangamac Ambulance, doing the billing. She supported her husband in his many civic duties and lovingly cared for him during his final years. Barb welcomed many visitors to her kitchen table over the years. Her love of genealogy and history led Barb, in her later life, to become an active member of the Macoupin County Historical Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Virginia Reid, her granddaughter, Annisa Mendenhall, and her grandson, Brandon Mendenhall.

Barbara is survived by a daughter, Dawnal (Walter) Wallace of Virden, IL, two sons, Brad (Nancy) Butcher of Springfield, IL, and Brent (Kim) Butcher of Decatur, MI, her two brothers, Mick (Linda) Smith of Carlinville, IL, and Bob Smith of Chesterfield, IL, 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At Barb’s request, there will be no visitation, and the graveside service will be private. Her family plans to hold a celebration of life at a date yet to be determined. Interment will be at Saint Catherine’s Cemetery in Hagaman, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to:

North Mac Panter Pack Meal Assistance

North Mac CUSD #34

525 N. Third St.

Girard, IL 62640

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