Gay Elaine Butcher, 69, of Allegan passed away at Borgess Hospital on June 2, 2017.
Gay was the loving wife of Larry Butcher Sr. for 52 years. She was the treasured mother of Larry Butcher Jr. (Nancy Green), Holly Butcher and Willard Butcher (Barb Madison).
Gay worked as a seamstress at Haworth of Allegan for more than 20 years before they closed and was well liked by her coworkers. Her nickname at work was "Smiley" because she always had a smile for everyone. Before Haworth, she worked as a seamstress for many years at Friedlens.
Gay was a very special person who loved easily and unconditionally. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, playing Bingo, going to concerts, visiting the U.P., and hunting morel mushrooms. Her highlight every year was the mushroom trip she took with her husband, daughter and sister-in-law. She also received a nickname from her mushrooming. She was always spotting them while driving down the road so people started calling her "Hawk Eye Mama."
The other family she leaves behind includes her sisters, Karen (Russ) Wells and Betty Scofield; her sisters-in-law, Marion Strickfaden, Mary Strickfaden, Char Burt and Karen Brooks; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Katherine Strickfaden; two brothers, John and Bill Strickfaden; and one sister Janice Holloway.
Per Gay's wishes, there will not be a funeral service.
Gay will be loved and missed by many.
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