Sarah Holder Butler

Sarah Holder Butler

July 29, 1931 - Oct. 13, 2023

BLOOMINGTON - Sarah Holder Butler, of Bloomington, died Friday, October 13, 2023, at her home.

She was the eldest child of George Espey and Elizabeth Davis Holder, born July 29, 1931, in Normal, IL.

Sarah was a lifelong resident of Bloomington. She attended the University of Illinois where she was affiliated with Pi Beta Phi, then later graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1953.

Sarah married the love of her life, Bill Butler, and together they raised a close family of five children: William (Kathleen), Wade (Nora), Katherine, John (Lynda) and Julia. She leaves them, nine perfect grandchildren: Eddie, Halle, Will, Reid, Jack, Jimmy, Hanna, Olivia, and Charlie; and five great-grandchildren: Evan, Easton, Madison, Leo, and Ellenora; her brother, Sam Saltonstall; and sister, Susan Sears. Her husband, Bill died in 1992.

Sarah believed in the loving spirit of God and the goodness and peace that grows from it. Throughout her life she enjoyed volunteering and supporting her community she loved.

Sarah's favorite times were spent with family, encouraging them to learn something new each day, to look up and see the world around them and to be kind. Her life was graced with good family and friends with whom she traveled, learned to love history, played cards, shared their interests in art, painting and the wonders of nature. She was forever grateful for those who gave hugs when days were long and shared the happiness of a good day. Gardens, gardening and gardeners were her passions.

Memorials may be made to the David Davis Mansion Foundation for the continued preservation of Sarah's Garden and the Parklands Foundation.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home. Cremation and a private family funeral will also be held.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

"If you give up, you can't try again."

Favorite things during Sarah's lifetime, in no special order: "My children at any age. The pleasure of a well written book. Tony Bennett! A kid on my lap. Loving my husband. Real Mexican tacos. Exploring museums. Adventures to new places, near or far."