Margaret Rose Butts (98) of Newton
Published on October 28 2020 1:12 pm
Private family funeral services will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery, St. Elmo. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Effingham or donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Margaret was born September 5, 1922, in Newton, the daughter of Horbert H. and Katie M. (Isenburg) Harvey. Margaret graduated from high school in 1940 and attended Eastern Illinois College for two years. She was baptized January 27, 1941 at the First Christian Church in Charleston, Illinois. She began her teaching career in 1946. Her first school was a one-room schoolhouse in southern Jasper County where she taught all grades. She married G. Wayne Durbin August 15, 1946 and at that time he worked for Exxon Oil Company. He died August 7, 1975. In 1972, Margaret went back to school to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. That year she was also named outstanding Elementary Teacher of America for her contributions to the advancement of elementary education and services to the community. She then taught first grade at Altamont School. Her first high school class reunion was in 1980 after 40 years at the Newton KC Hall. On July 23, 1994, Margaret married William Butts, a retired minister of the Presbyterian Church. He preceded her in death March 7, 2001. Margaret was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Effingham, Faith Circle, IEA, Effingham County Retired Teachers Association, Exxon Annuitant Club, HEA, Eastern Star, served on the Altamont Public Library Board and volunteered at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and The Cross.
Margaret is survived by her brother, James Warren Harvey; nieces and nephews, Steven (Janet) Harvey, Terry (Margo) Harvey, Randy (Linda) Harvey, and Cathy (Mark) Benefiel; great-nieces and nephews, Matthew Harvey, Jessica Harvey, Kristin Harvey (special friend, Roger Dyer), Jill (Troy) Hardwick, Seth Harvey, Kelly (Doug) Iffert, Jesse (Alison) Harvey, Jerod (Brooke) Harvey, Katie Harvey (special friend, Jeffrey Short); Josh (Samantha) James, and Tyler James (special friend, Bridgette Reader); 16 great-great nieces and nephews; stepchildren, Dan Butts, Janet (Warner) Rosenberger, Judy Levant, and Steve Butts; brother-in-law, Dave (Nancy) Butts; and sister-in-law, Dee Butts.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; sister-in-law, Norma Harvey; step-daughter-in-law, Lena Butts; and brother-in-law, Don Butts.