Mrs. Ruth "Barney" Butler

Butler, Ruth, long time resident of Grosse Ile, died August 27, 2011, at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn Michigan. Ruth, known as "Barney", was born January 26, 1931, in Bronxville, New York, the second child of Ruth and Hiram Tompkins. She graduated with an associate degree from Colby Junior College before moving to Toledo where she met her husband the late Dr. Harry R. Butler. Barney and Harry lived in Taylor, Michigan before moving to Grosse Ile in 1957. Barney was a competitive golfer and a life member at Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club. She is survived by her brother Robert and six of her seven children: Diane (Frasier) McNeilly, Susan (Thomas) Sims, Charles (Caryn) Butler, Amy (Craig) DeSimone, Michael (Jennifer) Butler and James (Terri) Butler. She is also survived by her 20 grand children, Scott (Tala) McNeilly, Sean McNeilly, Shannon McNeilly, Donald (Jeannie) Barnes III, Kelly (Michael) Wilson, Michael Barnes, Margaret Barnes, Kathleen Barnes, Abigail Barnes, Carly Butler, Megan Butler, Brigid Butler, Jamie Ott, Ryan Ott, Caroline Butler, John Henry Butler, Richard Butler, Christina Butler, Danielle Butler and Nicholas Butler. Barney was predeceased by her husband and her daughter Kathleen (Donald) Barnes. Memorial contributions to honor Barney's life may be made to The Grosse Ile Fire Department, 24525 Meridian, Grosse Ile, MI 48138