Patricia D. Butler

1936 – 2026

Patricia D. Butler, known to many as Patti in her early years and Pat later in life, of Portage, formerly of Vicksburg, Michigan, passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born on April 16, 1936, in Vicksburg to Emory H. Brown and Dorothy (Rectenwal) Brown and remained, in many ways, a woman shaped by place, presence, and an inner life that never quite fit the structures offered to her.

From an early age, Patricia was social, visible, and expressive. At Vicksburg High School, where she graduated in 1954, she was deeply involved in student life—serving as yearbook editor, drum majorette for the band, cheerleader, and a member of the French and Journalism Clubs. She loved being seen and heard, and she carried that ease with visibility into adulthood.

Patricia was quick-witted, expressive, and unmistakably herself. Conversation was her element, and she moved through it with humor, confidence, and a love of story. She had a natural gift for turning everyday moments into something lively and memorable, and time spent with her was rarely quiet, often funny, and never dull.

Patricia was an avid reader with a lifelong interest in history and biography. She enjoyed learning about the lives of others and the paths they took and remained curious and engaged through reading for much of her life.

In early adulthood, Patricia earned her cosmetology license and worked briefly in the field. While it was not a lifelong profession, it aligned naturally with her long-standing interest in style and presentation. She took pride in being well put together and was known for her polished appearance—hair done, outfit complete, and, in cooler weather, gloves chosen with care. Attention to detail followed her throughout her life.

In the 1980s, Patricia met Randall L. Warren, her beloved companion and true soulmate. Together they built a life rooted in partnership, shared work, and devotion. Side by side, they lived and worked in Lansing, Michigan, where they operated My Soft Water. Patricia took pride in the business and in the work itself, believing in what she offered and enjoying the relational nature of sales. This chapter of her life reflected independence, purpose, and shared authorship, and her time with Randall remained one of deep love and meaning.

Patricia was the mother of four children. While her path through motherhood did not follow a conventional timeline, later in life she returned fully and intentionally to being a mother. In those years, her children became central to her life. She shared with them her stories, her observations, her humor, and her presence. She cared deeply for her family and invested her energy in being connected, engaged, and involved.

One of the places where Patricia felt most at ease was along the water. As a child, time spent on the shores of Indian Lake left a lasting impression and became the foundation of her lifelong love of lake life. In later years, Lake Michigan held a special place in her heart. Summers spent in Manistee with extended family, and later time on the beaches of South Haven, offered her a sense of calm and continuity. She loved watching ships enter the harbor, feeling the sand beneath her feet, and taking in the lake at sunset. These moments grounded her and remained a touchstone of peace throughout her life.

Throughout her life, Patricia enjoyed travel and valued time spent in places she loved. She especially enjoyed visiting her youngest daughter in South Carolina, spending time at Folly Beach, and traveling throughout Florida at different points in her life. Tennessee also held a special place for her, and she returned there whenever she could.

In her later years, Patricia lived with several health conditions that limited her physical capacity, but they did not diminish her identity. Her wit, expressiveness, and unmistakable presence endured. She continued to engage the world through conversation and observation, remaining distinctly herself until the end.

Patricia D. Butler will be remembered as a woman of intelligence, style, and vivid presence—someone who lived according to her own internal compass and left a lasting impression through unmistakable individuality. She will also be remembered for the deep love she held for her family: her children, grandchildren, extended family, and in-laws, whom she embraced as her own. Once you were known and loved by Pat, you were always known and remembered by her, whether you were present in her life or not.

She is survived by her children: Scott Butler (Vicky DeHaan); Jennifer Kirk (Robert); Sarah Butler; and Angelique Butler. She is also survived by her grandchildren Brock (Kamryn), Aaron, Adam, Tucker, and Gabriella, and by her great-granddaughter Nova Alexis. Her grandchildren were a source of pride, interest, and affection, and she delighted in watching their lives unfold. She is further survived by her nieces Wendy Lynn Wolthuis (Dustin, Kyle, and Shane) and Amy Lou Wolthuis (Joshua), along with several great-nieces and great-nephews whom she adored.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved partner, Randall L. Warren; her parents, Emory H. Brown and Dorothy Brown; her sister, Carolyn (Corky) Wolthuis; her brother, Roger Brown; her nephew, Gregory Wayne Wolthuis; and her granddaughter, Alexis Dorothy Butler.

Patricia greatly admired the Vicksburg High School Marching Band. Having once served as drum majorette herself, watching the band perform brought her great pleasure. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Vicksburg High School Marching Band in her honor.

A celebration of Patricia’s life is being planned for the spring or summer, with details to be shared with family and friends at a later time.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Patricia's guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family.

The Butler family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.