Barbara K. Butler passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 5, 1943, in La Porte, Indiana, Barbara was the daughter of James and Joan (Reed) McKean. She graduated from Quincy High School in 1962 before earning her degree from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois.
On July 28, 1962, she married the love of her life, Gary L. Butler. Together they built a beautiful life until Gary’s passing in 2021.
Barbara was a successful business owner throughout her life, dedicating herself to her work with determination, creativity, and an unwavering work ethic. She continued doing what she loved until the very end.
She was proud of her family’s rich history, being a direct descendant of Thomas McKean, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the second Governor of Pennsylvania. Through Edward Doty, she also traced her ancestry to the passengers of the Mayflower.
Above all, Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Laurie (Wes) Roberts, and her son, Dan (Pam) Butler. She was the proud grandmother of Catherine Butler and Lexie (Ty) Montgomery, and the adoring great-grandmother of Kyle and Kane Reddick and Levi and Mila Montgomery. Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.
She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. David and Becky Keck, along with Sue Ann and Pat Gerveler, were much more than brother- and sister-in-law; they were truly lifelong brothers and sisters to Barbara.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary L. Butler; her parents, James and Joan (Reed) McKean; and her sister, Judy Egbers.
She was a faithful member of St. Andrew Methodist Church, where her faith was an important part of her life.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Wylie, Texas.
Barbara’s legacy of strength, generosity, and unconditional love will continue to live on through the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.