Julia "Jean" Butcher, age 91 of Summitville and formerly of Elwood, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Summitville Convalescent Center in Summitville following an extended illness. She was born July 17, 1921 in Sharpsville, the daughter of Curtis D. and Juva M. (Covalt) Richards. She was formerly a secretary for her family business – Butcher Feeds Co., and also later worked as a clerk at the Alexandria Library up until 1996. Jean was a 1939 graduate of Sharpsville High School, and later attended Indiana State College. She married Lowell Butcher on February 14, 1941. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Elwood where she was active in the United Methodist Women; charter member of Delta Gamma Sorority; member of the Sharpsville Order of Eastern Star, Lady Elks, and Tri-Kappa Sorority. Jean was also formerly active in several bridge clubs; enjoyed reading, cooking, fishing, traveling and knitting; and was a member of the Remocwens Group; and a devoted volunteer at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital for many years.

Her family includes three daughters, Barbara (husband David) Abernathy of Elwood, Brenda (husband Philip) Davis of Elkhart, and Beverly (husband Craig) Wargowsky of Naperville, IL; three grandchildren, Kristina (husband David) Retherford of Elwood, Monica (husband Marty) Wells of Elwood, and Andrew (wife Rachel) Davis of Indianapolis; 4 great-grandchildren, Will Retherford, Allison Retherford, Bailey Wells, Brock Wells; 2 step-great-grandchildren, Derek Wells and Drew Wells; and a niece and nephew.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 31 years, Lowell Butcher who died December 20, 1972; Sister, Nancy Puccio; and longtime friend, Claude Butcher.

A Celebration of Jean's life will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Chris Dare of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Sharpsville Cemetery in Tipton County. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or the First United Methodist Church through the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.