Lyn McClure Butrick, age 87, passed away on March 19, 2025. She was a loving mother to four children and a devoted wife to her late husband, Dr. Richard P. Butrick, Jr.
Lyn was the beloved only child of Evelyn and Major-General Mark McClure. She was born at Tripler Army Hospital on September 3, 1937, while her father was stationed in Hawaii. She moved frequently during her childhood, including a memorable time spent in Heidelberg, Germany, shortly after the end of World War II. Her parents retired in Washington, D.C. in 1957, where Lyn earned her undergraduate degree at The George Washington University having also attended Randolph-Macon College.
Her passion for the arts led her to pursue a master’s degree at Columbia University in 1959. While in New York City, she enjoyed working at World House Galleries. After a few short years in Gettysburg, Pa., Richard and Lyn moved to Athens, Ohio in 1967.
Lyn was a talented artist, illustrator, and writer. My Funny Bunny Telephone Book was one of her personal favorites. Other notable works included Mr. Bear’s Birthday, If This and That, Then What, and Logic for Space Age Kids, on which she collaborated with Richard.
Most of Lyn’s adult life was spent in Athens, Ohio, where Richard taught at Ohio University. During the summers, Lyn and Richard would pile their four children into a station wagon and head to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where they enjoyed the beach and family time. A lover of puzzles, crosswords, and card games, Lyn enjoyed gatherings with family and her regular bridge games with dear friends.
While raising her children, Lyn was an active volunteer at the Trisolini Gallery and a member of The Church of The Good Shepherd. Lyn donated her time there throughout the years. Lyn was also a talented seamstress, lovingly creating clothes and Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren.
For all her many talents, Lyn will be most remembered for her unwavering kindness, her gentle nature, and her unconditional love for her children and family. She leaves a legacy of love, creativity, and warmth that will forever be cherished. She is survived by her children, Eric (Yvonne) Butrick, Nina McGinley, Lesley (Alan) Yonan, and Douglas (Erin Attwood) McClure. Grandchildren; Michael and Gretchen James, Samantha and Louis Yonan, Owen and Paige McClure.
A service will be held at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Athens on June 21st at 2:00 P.M. with a reception to follow at the Ohio University Inn from 3-5. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Dairy Barn Arts Center or The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
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