Joan Agnes Buttrey

Joan Agnes Buttrey, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on April 3, 2025, in Aiken, South Carolina, at the age of 94.

She was born on September 15, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up as an only child, she loved spending time with her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and many cousins. Joan loved expressing her creativity through singing, dancing, and playing the piano. Joan married her high school sweetheart, Otto Heinz, on February 19, 1949. Together, they founded Otto Electric, a venture that reflected their shared dedication and hard work. Joan was a devoted homemaker and took great joy in raising her family. She was also a lifelong member of Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority, contributing to her community with grace and kindness. In addition to being a Girl Scout, Joan volunteered for the Girl Scouts of America, committing 20 years to support the youth in her community. She had a passion for travel, often embarking on adventures driving coast to coast. After Otto's passing, she found a second love with Burton Buttrey, with whom she created many treasured memories while traveling. Joan loved her new home at Cumberland Village in Aiken. Her smile and laughter lit up the room wherever she was. She became a cherished parishioner at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church.

Joan leaves behind her two daughters, Diane (Lane) Buttrey of Aiken, SC, and Mary Quiroz of Ladd, IL, daughter-in-law Renee (Robert) Alvord of Plano, TX, along with her grandchildren: Ali (James) Webb, Nick (Stacey) Heinz, Vince (Kayce) Heinz, Olivia Heinz, Dan (Tara Gilligan) Buttrey, Randy Quiroz, Stephanie (Matt) Birns, and Shayla. She will be deeply missed by her eight great-grandchildren, who brought her much joy. Annette Webb, Lila and Jack Heinz, Jude and Josephine Lewallen, Jack and Sam Buttrey, and Harrison Birns. She joins her parents, Joseph and Agnes Toussaint Wieder, husbands Otto and Burton as well as her children, Joan Heinz, Barbara Heinz, Richard Heinz, and Otto Heinz, son-in-law, Ignacio Quiroz and daughter-in-law Kathleen Heinz in eternal rest. Joan's legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will forever remember her warmth, strength, and love.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday April 8, 2025, at Old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Aiken, SC, followed by interment at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Wheaton, IL, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made in Joan's name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801