Joan Carolyn Butler

Joan Carolyn Butler, 79, of Deerfield, Mich., passed away, Friday, April 24, 2026, at home, while under hospice care. She was born October 1, 1946, near Pineville, Ky., to parents Jess and Mary (Clark) Saylor.

Joan grew up mostly in Michigan, with her family moving around, but her most formative years were in Lenawee County. On October 4, 1963, Joan married George Butler of Toledo, in Monroe, Mich.  He preceded her in death on July 2, 2018.  Their marriage produced three children, Karen, Tracy, and George, Jr., who survive.  She retired after working at Jeep for 28 years. Joan and George traveled all over the lower 48 states and into Mexico and Canada.  They spent many months of the year in Haines City, Fla., before Joan’s health prevented her.

Joan spent free time golfing and gabbing with friends and family.  In Florida, she played cards and Bingo and took day trips to wineries and other fun locations.  

In addition to her three children, Joan is survived by one brother, Joe (Cathryn) Saylor, and two sisters, Joyce (Glenn) Diesing and Cathy (Tom) Gonchoroff; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Linda (Earnie) Nolin, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Jonathan Fowler; great-grandchildren Carter Grzesiek and McKenna Josephson; brothers, Jess, Willie, and Dennis; and sisters Arwanna Partin, Margaret Smith, Juldean Silverwood, and Bettie Gaige.

Graveside service will take place on Tuesday May 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.  With Dr. Anthony Butler leading the service.   

Memorials may be given to Christian Appalachian Project, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 758621, Topeka, KS 66675-8621 or at the link listed below

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