Helen M. Butz

Helen M. (Alting) Butz, 96, formerly of Lafayette, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Danville Regional Rehabilitation.
She was born May 25, 1929, in Lafayette, to the late George and Catherine (Kitty Farrell) Alting.
Helen graduated from St. Francis High School.
On June 23, 1951, she married Dean T. Butz at St. Ann's Church and Shrine, in Lafayette. Dean preceded Helen in death in January of 2024.
We often quipped about the stubbornness of our mother, never giving in to pain or sorrow. We see that differently now. We no longer see her as stubborn but recognize her as STRONG!
She was strong enough to have 4 children Angela (Douglas) Klontz, David J. Butz, Thomas A. Butz, and Monica (Ralph) Gottwald after her first-born Jerry D. Butz was born severely disabled.
She was strong enough to teach herself to walk after contracting Guillain-Barre' syndrome in her 20's. Leaving her paralyzed and needing an Iron Lung to breathe.
Strong enough to face losing two of her children, Jerry and Thomas, in the summer of 2002.
Strong enough to recognize when she could no longer take care of herself and dad. Uprooting everything they knew as home for 90 years to move closer to family. It was such an honor!
Strong enough to lose the love of her life, Dean, in January of 2024.
Helen never knew a stranger, even if she just met you! She was incredibly kind and generous; she greeted everyone with a hug and a smile!
She loved to travel with Dean, friends from St. Ann's, and her children. But the place she loved the most was home! She was an incredible homemaker, a simple but excellent cook, a wonderful and supportive wife and an outstanding mother!
Helen was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and the Rosary Society.
She volunteered at the St. Elizabeth Auxiliary, St. Ann Soup Kitchen, St. Vincent DePaul and was a life member of Sigma Alpha Sorority.
Surviving are three children, Angela (Douglas) Klontz, David J. Butz and Monica (Ralph) Gottwald, a sister, Barbara Eckman as well as grandchildren, Ryan Klontz, Meaghan (Klontz) Roehm, Phoebe (Stokes) Shackelford, Katherine (Butts) Ryan, Dean Butz, Andrew Butts and Nathaniel Butz along with eight great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral Mass at 11:00 am on Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Ann Catholic Church, Lafayette. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Lafayette.
Memorial contributions may be made in Helen's name to either Matthew 25 Care & Share Soup Kitchen, St. Ann Catholic Church, Lafayette or charity of your choice.