Martha Jill Butler

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful and beloved mother, Martha Jill Butler of Granger, Indiana who passed away from this world, succumbing to complications from Multiple Sclerosis and was reunited with her loving husband Harold in heaven on May 30th, 2024.

Martha was born on January 5th, 1946, in Laporte, Indiana to the late Eldo and Leona Wollert. Martha graduated from Laporte High school and went to Vogue college and became a model participating in numerous competitions, winning many. Martha spent some time traveling around Indiana after completing her education. She always loved animals, especially dogs, and favored Dobermans. She spent many years of her life showing her beloved pets competing in "best in class" events, and consulting for the "Best in Show" movie. 

Martha spent some of her time after high school working and traveling with a group of psychics helping to find missing loved ones. Once she received a call from world renowned psychic Sylvia Browne to help on a case that had Sylvia stumped. Martha used this special gift to help many people throughout her life.

Martha was working as a server at a local LaPorte restaurant when she met the love of her life Harold Arthur Butler and they were married on October 21, 1966, at a small chapel in LaPorte, Indiana which they visited every anniversary their entire 54-year marriage. Martha and Harold were soul mates and shared many interests and hobbies over the years. When Martha first saw Harold, she knew it was love at first sight. 

 Martha, Harold, their son and daughter enjoyed many wonderful camping vacations at Potato Creek State Park, Mini Mountain campground, Broken Arrow campground and many more over the years. Martha loved cooking her award-winning Chili, Spaghetti and Chicken Fricassee in special green pan (which was the secret to the success). Martha had many careers throughout her life, and she loved helping people every day. She was a kind and gentle soul who would give you the shirt off her own back. Martha was an amazing mother, wife and was a loving and caring grandmother to all her grandchildren. Martha (due in part to her very successful modelling career) was also a Mary Kay consultant and almost achieved the pink Cadillac, however fell short due to an allergic reaction to the makeup. Due to this unfortunate event, Martha changed focus and worked at Canco center for abused children. Later, Martha went into partnership with Sears, educating clients about security systems. She was a server at Gipper’s Lounge at the Holiday Inn on US 31, Eddy’s Steak Shed in Granger and Bob’s Big Boy in Elkhart on the Indiana Toll Road to name a few. Martha always had cheerful smile and a sympathetic ear to listen, and a strong shoulder to cry on for many people. Martha shared her wisdom and knowledge with all she met, she never met a stranger and made many wonderful friends. Martha indulged in many hobbies, of which was horticulture. She was an avid mushroom seeker, a Mycophile. Due to her expertise in mushrooms, she was consulted about a section that was included in one the medicinal books by her favorite author, Maureen Sullivan. She enjoyed many books on health and wellness, bird watching, listening to music, watching movies, traveling, cooking, camping, and loved spending time with her family and friends.

Martha is survived by her son Brent Butler her daughter Denise Molnar (Alan). Martha’s grandchildren: Calvin Wieczorek, Spencer Wieczorek, Braden Donihue and Arthur Butler and Andy butler, Alex (Kayle) Molnar, Max Molnar, Grace and Mary Molnar. Martha is also survived by her Sister Sandra Watson and several nephews: Brian (Dana) Herbst, Scott (Nancy) Herbst and David (Stacey) Watson and one niece Linda (Nick) Moore. A brother in law Louie (Marie) Butler and a sister-in-law Marilyn Butler as well as many other cousins and wonderful nieces and nephews.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband Harold Arthur Butler, her father Eldo Wollert, her mother Leona Wendt (Harry) and her cherished Sister Sheryl Herbst, her beloved cousin Robert “Bobby” Birkholz and her brother in laws Jim Watson, Fred Herbst, Garth Grover, Carney (Donna) Butler, Dale Butler and sister in laws: Georgia (Joe) Galloway, Betty (Dave) Churchill and Amber Butler and Phyllis (Charlie).

There will not be any funeral services, however there will be a celebration of life at a later date. Martha has been laid to rest with her husband Harold Butler at Heckman (Hesston) Cemetery in Laporte, Indiana.