Patricia Butler

METAMORA – Patricia A. Butler, 85, of Metamora, passed away unexpectantly Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was surrounded by her family, whom she loved dearly.

She was born on June 14, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois, to Emil and Helen (Reed) Hawksworth. Patricia married Robert Butler on April 16, 1980, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Surviving are her husband, Robert Butler of Metamora; children, Douglas (Rhonda) Williams of Bloomington, Kara (Daniel) Haney of East Peoria and JoAnn Baum of Groveland; grandchildren, Jessica Brekke of Pekin, Wesley Williams of Normal, Jeremy (Annie) Storm of East Peoria, Shawn Baum of Morton, Jerry (Kristen) Wheeler of Dunlap, Brandon Bridges-Williams of Bloomington and Zach Bridges-Williams of Los Angeles, California and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her stepson, Daniel Butler; son-in-law, Kenneth Baum; grandchild, Brianna Williams and brothers, Donald Hawksworth and Jerry Hawksworth.

Patricia worked in purchasing at Hiram Walker Distillery in Peoria and Ft. Smith.

She enjoyed playing mahjong, a game of skill, strategy and calculation with her friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. following the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.