Arlene Butler

NORTH MANCHESTER, INDIANA - Arlene Mae (Beindorf) Butler 91 a devout woman of faith went to her eternal reward on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Peabody Retirement Center in North Manchester, Indiana. Born on May 11, 1934, in Defiance, Ohio, to Lewis and Isabella Beindorf. Arlene attended Defiance High School, graduating with the class of 1952. She married Fredrick G. Butler on June 10, 1956.

Fred and Arlene built their home and raised their family on a small farm near Sherwood, Ohio. Arlene was a loving wife and mother to four children. She was Grandma Butler to five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. As a young woman Arlene worked at Home Savings and Loan in Defiance, after meeting Fred while roller skating at Power Dam, Fred asked her out and then immediately moved his account to a neighboring bank because, as he put it "I didn't want her knowing how much money I had, or didn't have in there". Arlene and Fred enjoyed 61 years of marriage. They traveled much of the US during their retirement. They attended antique tractor shows around the Midwest and even drove the entire length of US 66. Fred passed away in September of 2017.

Arlene was an active volunteer in the community, serving as a voting clerk in Delaware Twp. She served on the board of directors for Centennial Therapeutic Riding Center in Wauseon. She volunteered in the gift shop at ProMedica, Defiance. She served as a member of Ladies Aid and was a choir member at St John's Lutheran Church where she and her family were members. In addition to her volunteer activities, Arlene crocheted numerous intricate afghans for family and friends. A loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, her home was always the place for her family, (including nieces and nephews) to gather for birthdays and holidays.

Arlene is survived by her children, Diane (Todd) Radke of Columbia City, Indiana, Gary (Rhonda) Butler of Defiance, Ohio, and Amy (Jim) Miglin of Columbia City, Indiana. Her grandchildren, Wendy (Robert) Rygiel of Opelika, Alabama, Jennifer (Mike Sammon) Ballinger of Medina, Ohio, Lewis (Jill) Butler of Alto, Michigan, Jane (Kevin Parrott) Butler of Ostrander, Ohio. James (Chelsea) Miglin Greenwood, Indiana and five great-grandchildren. Also, her sisters-in-law, Arlene Short of Goshen, Indiana, and Virgina Stevens of Sneedville, Tennessee, and her only surviving cousin, Otto Beindorf of Defiance.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Fred, her parents Isabella and Lewis Beindorf, her infant son Neil, and her brother Ted Beindorf.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Sherwood, OH. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Eric Moquin officiating. Arlene will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Memorial gifts in Arlene's memory can be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Sherwood, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.