Melinda Lee (Miller) Butler

"Melinda Lee Butler (née Miller), age 67, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2014 in Columbus. Survived by sons James Jr. (Connie), Bryan (Kelly), Sean (Jennifer), and Mark (Susan); daughters Cheryl (Ken) Myers and Lori (Mike) Adkins; siblings Terry, Tim, Dave, Mary, Cindy (Gary) Schlaegel, and Tina (Tony) Belmonte; twenty grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; special friends Kay Creiglow and Betty Butler; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by her husband James “Fred” Sr., parents Martha and George, and sister Tami. Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1st at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4383 E. Broad St., followed immediately by a memorial luncheon. Internment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Autism Society of Ohio."

Melinda was the oldest of Martha and George Miller's 8 children. She married James "Fred" Butler when she was just 16-years-old and together they had six children during their 24 years of marriage. When Melinda's husband Fred died suddenly, she became a widow at the age 41. Melinda was left to try to raise three teenage sons alone.

Melinda had a great many interests and hobbies. Like her grandmother and mother, she enjoyed playing bingo in her younger years. She also enjoyed various arts and crafts. In her older years, she loved to travel to visit friends and began working on her family genealogy.

As her children grew, they gave Melinda 20 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren whom she adored. Melinda loved when her grandchildren spent the night with her. The only rule at "Maw-Maw's House" was: there are no rules. She was especially thankful to see several of her grandchildren grow up to get married and have children of their own.

After years of declining health, Melinda died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones. She was greatly missed by her very large family and many friends.