Elizabeth L. Van Leuven Butler

Elizabeth L. (Van Leuven) Butler lived a life full of love, duty, work, music and kindness. She was born in Detroit in 1933, took up violin in public school as a youngster, became an RN, then married and mothered 3 children in Western Michigan, where she was an expert homemaker. In early middle age, she moved to Chapel Hill, NC, resumed nursing and met the love of her life James Robert Butler, whom she married and with whom she shared 15 years. She also became a Suzuki violin teacher in Chapel Hill. In late middle age she moved to Webster, NC where she continued teaching, and was an integral part of her grandson’s life. Anyone who knew her remembers her kindness, gentleness, and infinite love of her family, especially her 10 grandchildren and 8 great grand babies. She loved nature, gardening, exercise and healthy living, and stayed spunky til the end. She was an exacting person whose standards rarely wavered, and was determined to do things the right (her) way! These values sustained her entire life, and have been so influential to children and grandchildren, as well as her students and friends. She passed away peacefully at home Sept. 6th surrounded by her children. She leaves behind 3 children, Joseph Van Leuven (Denise) of Portland, OR, Douglas Van Leuven (Cathy) of Madison, WI, and Julie Van Leuven of Webster. Her extended family, circle of friends and neighbors are all better for knowing her.

The care of Mrs. Butler has been entrusted to A Simple Cremation.