Jane Ellen Buttrum

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Jane Buttrum passed away peacefully in her home and went to be with her Lord. She was many things, but she'll be most remembered as the loving, compassionate, caring wife and mother to her family. She was married to her long-time sweetheart, Jack, for 76 years. They brought three children into the world; David (Rebecca) Buttrum, Jean Reda (Dave Mullholand), and Kathryn (Mick) Stieler. Watching her family tree bloom brought her immense joy, and she treasured her role as Grandma Jane. She was a perfect grandmother to 7 grandchildren, Jon (Kim) Buttrum, Frank (Kellie) Reda, Schuyler (Abby) Buttrum, Dan Reda, Michelle (Jason) Buchanan, Kari (Kevin) Gannon, Christine (Jesse) Williams, and great grandmother to 15 great-grandchildren; Calvin, Brooks, Jack, Kenley, Phoenix, Violet, Gemma Jane, Tysia, Tavian, Piper, Lilah, Stella, Tara, Silas and baby Gannon.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Rhonda Taylor; and by many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents J. Ervin, Ruth, and Kathleen Taylor, her beloved in-laws Leo and Lucy Buttrum, and her brother Dr. Michael Taylor.
While raising her family and supporting her husband Jack in his business and community activities, she earned her master's degree from the University of Evansville, and it surprised no one that she was a summa cum laude graduate. She went on to teach at Perry Heights where she was also the librarian. In addition, she was an active church member for most of her life. She chaired many committees, helped manage the daycare program, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir at Eastside Christian Church. As the family moved their membership to the Methodist Temple, Jane again became active in the church. She brought her love of music and talents to their choir and became a joint founder in the senior adult ministry where she helped organize the XYZ days, and was a founder of the Lifetime Service Award that recognized Methodist Temple members.
Jane loved to travel and her family's annual Florida vacations were a favorite event. It was on those trips where she was fortunate enough to make many friends, including Bobby and Patsy Sherrill, with whom she became lifelong friends. For many years, from the months of May to October she could be found traveling, nearly every weekend, to Saddlebred horse shows throughout the midwest. The fall season was dedicated to Purdue football games and the Purdue marching band. She traveled abroad often and was able to visit Holland, Switzerland, Mexico, France, Germany, England, China, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and at the age of 89 was able to take an emotional trip to Normandy.
Jane loved her family and her home. She was well known for her tendency to adopt anyone who needed a friend, caretaker, or grandmother. She was often seen in her yard pulling weeds, planting flowers, cutting the grass, and even painting the house. She was a wizard in the kitchen and was always preparing something, often just winging it as she went (much to the chagrin of those who wanted her recipes)!
She will be incredibly missed but remembered every day for the wonderful role she played in the lives of those who loved her the most.
We want to thank Visiting Angels, especially Christina, and Deaconess Hospice for providing Jane the comfort of staying in her home for the remainder of her life.
A celebration of Jane's life will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Methodist Temple, 2109 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 with Pastor Andy Payton officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Friends may visit from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at Methodist Temple.
Memorial contributions in Jane's memory may be made to Methodist Temple.
Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.