Barbara Gressett Butler Maranto

1936 - 2024

Barbara Gressett Butler Maranto left us on June 11, 2024. She was born in Jackson, Mississippi, November 17, 1936 to Iris Hatten, and was raised by her adoptive parents, Doris Hatten Gressett and JV Gressett in Jackson. She attended Central High School, and Hinds County Junior College early, at the age of 16, where she was a member of the cheerleading squad. Barbara married Wallace Boone Butler Sr. of San Antonio in 1953. They moved to San Antonio, where Barbara was employed at USAA. Before the birth of their first child, Barbara and Wally moved back to Jackson, where the first two of their four children were born. After moving to New Orleans, two more children were born. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Wallace, Sr., her second husband Ronnie Maranto, her only son Wallace Boone Butler, Jr., her third child Elisabeth Ann Butler, a granddaughter, Rachel Dale Butler, and a grandson, Sean Owens. She is survived by her eldest daughter Pam Butler Bernard (Jay), daughter-in-law Vicki Dale Butler, and her youngest daughter, Amy Dianne Butler. Barbara was also a loving Mimmie to Lauren Butler, Paige Bernard de Blanc (Daniel), Luke Bernard (Bailey Sharp), and Ashley Owens, as well as a great-grandmother to Bailey Owens and Liam de Blanc. Barbara was a gifted athlete and a fierce competitor, whether on the tennis courts, the golf course, or over a cut-throat game of Trivial Pursuit. She always wanted to win, even if it meant beating her young grandson Luke at every game of chess they ever played. She worked in the

banking industry and later in the swimming pool business with her second husband and son. Barbara was a good cook, piano player, a great conversationalist, lover of classical music, knowledgeable on many subjects, a die-hard Yankees fan, and loved continuing to learn throughout her life. Her loving light will continue to burn in those who loved her, and were loved by her. The family wishes to thank Chateau Living Center, and St. Catherine's Hospice, for their care during Barbara's final days. Private interment will be at a later date, followed by a Celebration of Barbara's life.