Joan Butz

Joan Kathleen Butz (Schnaitman), 75 years of age, of Macungie, PA, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2017. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Larry Ira Butz. They were married on May 5, 1962, and enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Born in Catasauqua, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Julia (Yuschak) Schnaitman. Joan graduated from Catasauqua High School in 1959. She worked at the Topton Lutheran Home for 20 years, before retiring in 2010. Joan was an avid tennis player when she lived in Miami, Florida. When she moved back to PA, she was a member of the Shepherd Hills Women's golf league for many years. Joan was also a member of the Women's Guild of Ancient Oak. She played in many clubs throughout the years, including bridge, bunco, pinnacle, and mahjong. Joan was loved by all her family. She also had many wonderful friends. She loved to be with her family for holidays and special occasions. She made every Christmas special. Joan was an "adopted" mother for many of her children's friends. She loved her sisters with all of her heart. Survivors: In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter; Monica and her husband Michael James of Macungie; and a son Matthew Butz and his wife Lori of Pennsburg; as well as four grandchildren, Brock and Jack McElhenney of Macungie, and Dalton and Savanna Butz of Pennsburg; and a step-granddaughter, Lindsey James, of Allentown. Joan is survived by sisters; Constance Kimble, wife of Richard Kimble of NJ; Georgette Schweyer of Allentown; and Janet Wanamaker, wife of Richard Wanamaker of Catasauqua. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11 A.M. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown, PA. A viewing will be held on Thursday, from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. in the Church, Rev. Monsignor John P. Murphy will be officiating. Interment: Resurrection Cemetery. Arrangements by the J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. www.jsburkholder.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joan's memory to Lehigh Valley Hospice 2024 Lehigh St. Allentown, PA 18103.