Helen Butler

Helen Louise Butler (nee Hopper) died on July 19, 2022, at the age of 98.5 in Southport, NC. Helen was born in Crawford County, IN, the sixth child of Murl Kellams and Charlie Hopper on December 9, 1923. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” she served proudly in the WAVES of the US Navy during WW II.

The loves of her life were her husband Robert “Bob” Butler (1927-2015), her son Jack Butler (1959-2013), daughter Elaine O’Donnell, son-in-law Sean O’Donnell, and grandchildren Erin (Steve) Huegel and Ryan O’Donnell. Helen is also survived by her 95-year-old “little” sister Norma (Everett) Eickelberger of Jasper, IN, and many dear nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and -nephews; and great grand-nieces and -nephews.

Helen’s greatest joys were found in raising her family, swinging a golf club, digging in her garden, and playing bridge with friends. Family and friends will remember her for her uncanny ability to create delicious meals at a moment’s notice with only pantry ingredients—predating the Chopped TV show, her loving care of her husband in the hurricane of Alzheimer’s disease, and her continual determination and sunny disposition through all of her life’s challenges.

A celebration of Helen’s amazing life and interment will be at Washington Park East Cemetery in Indianapolis at 11am on Tuesday, July 26. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at  http://act.alz.org/goto/Elaine or by mail to: Alzheimer’s Association: Wilmington NC Walk, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC, 28209.