Phoebe Ann Butterhof

BUTTERHOF, PHOEBE ANN, (nee Merkord), 77 - of , died on August 30th while receiving hospice care at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus. She was born in Germania, to Phoebe Merkord, nee Adams, and Henry Merkord of Merkord's Garage. In her youth, she attended Cologne Avenue School, graduated from Egg Harbor City High School and was a guitarist in Hap Brander's Spotlight String Band. She was a full time homemaker and for many years an active member the Egg Harbor Volunteer Ambulance Squad. After her divorce, she held a number of jobs, but none so appreciated, nor rewarding as that that of caregiver to the children of family and friends. Phoebe enjoyed the companionship of her granddaughters, her many travels and the music of Country Western recording artists. She was quick at Rummikub and Dominoes, enjoyed prize bingo and occasionally suffered a game of Scrabble. Skilled with both a crochet hook and an embroidery needle, she produced many heirloom quality creations as well as a multitude of multicolored afghans and throws. Phoebe was predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Alice Giambatista and Carolina Obergfell. She is survived by her five children: Henry Butterhof III of Cologne and his sweetheart Paula Burroughs and her daughters, Donna and Tricia, and granddaughter Katie Faith of Port Republic; Karen Waterworth and her husband, Bruce, and daughter, Asa, of Pittsfield, VT; Cynthia Butterhof, a resident of Vineland Developmental Center; Natalie Newman and her husband, George, of Chugiak, AK; Mark Butterhof and his wife, Tina, and daughters, Melissa and Erica, of Galloway Township. She also leaves behind many friends at Countryside Meadows and army buddies in Alaska. First diagnosed with breast and anaplastic thyroid cancer little over one year ago, Phoebe spent the last year of her life determined to beat the odds. With the support of family and friends, she underwent surgeries, radiation treatments, chemotherapy and received nutritional and spiritual support. She weathered it all surprisingly well before experiencing a sudden and swift decline as metastatic disease became apparent. Though she had for many years avoided routine medical checkups, she came to appreciate the advice and care of an ever-increasing number of health care professionals. In the last year of her life, she demonstrated an increased ability to better love herself and graciously accept the love of others. May she rest in peace. According to Phoebe's instructions funeral arrangements are being handled by Wimberg Funeral Home in Egg Harbor City. There will be no visitation and she will be buried in a private ceremony on September 2nd in Germania Cemetery. Flowers accepted, donations to your favorite charity in her honor appreciated. There will be a memorial celebration on Sunday, September 7th starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Grange Hall on Cologne Avenue, Cologne, NJ. All family and friends are invited to attend.