Claire Carter

Claire Marie Carter, a resident of St. Johns, died on November 29, 2025, one day after her 73rd birthday.
Born in Rutland, Vermont on November 28, 1952, Claire was the daughter of Thomas and Barbara (Moy) Carter. She grew up in St. Johns and was part of the first graduating class of the new St. Johns High School. She later earned her Master's Degree from Baker College and worked briefly with Michigan State University before beginning her career with the State of Michigan. She retired in July of 2019.
Claire and her husband, Bill Butler, were blessed with two children. Though they spent some years apart, they reunited five years ago and cherished this time together, adding to their forty years of shared history. Claire was kind and loving to Bill-though she preferred he not brag about it-and she held a deep, unwavering love for those closest to her. She always put her children first and adored her grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly.
She loved her cats, followed football closely, and was a passionate television watcher, especially shows about the paranormal. She offered steady counsel to friends on Facebook and enjoyed trips to the casino in Mt. Pleasant to play the slots. Fiery and full of spirit, she was a spark plug in the lives of those who knew her.
In addition to her companion Bill, she is survived by her son, Bill Butler; her daughter, Jessica Ingraham; granddaughters, Drew and Amber Ingraham; nephew, Mat (Maria) Schultz; niece, Tammy (Don) Hartman; great-nieces and nephews, Lynden (Lyle) Perrien, Brett Ehrlich, and Gracie and Darcie Schultz; great-great niece, Eleanore, and great-great nephews, Damon and Colt Perrien, and Owen Ehrlich. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Barbara (Moy) Carter, and her beloved sister, Karen (Roger) Schultz.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Thursday, December 4, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.
Memorials may be made in her name to the Capital Area Humane Society.
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.