Submitted by: Dan Rich

Marie Butler Maddox

Jan. 22, 1931 - Sept. 3, 1999

South Bend Tribune 9/5/1999

On September 3, 1999, at 11:27 p.m., our mother, Marie Butler Maddox, 68, left her children and grandchildren after a courageous 20 year fight against leukemia to join God in heaven for eternity, awaiting the reunion with us upon our deaths. Marie, the youngest of six children, was born in Arpin, Wisconsin, to William and Bertha (Leonard) Butler. At the age of two, along with her brother, sisters and minister father, they buried her natural mother, with whom she will share her final resting place. Upon her mother's death, the family moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan, and remained there for three years. Her family finally settled in Washington, D.C., with her stepmother Helen (Payne) Butler, where Marie enjoyed growing up near the ocean. She remained there until age 18, upon which time she enrolled at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Business.

An incredible woman for her time, she successfully worked outside the home while raising her children. During her lifetime she immensely enjoyed her five children and their spouses, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild and her legacy continues through them. They are daughter, Julie Maddox (grandson Ross and granddaughter Ryen) of Dallas, Texas; daughter Jennifer Maddox, son, Jon and daughter-in-law, Kathy Maddox (grandson Seth), son, Joseph Maddox, daughter, Jill and son-in-law, Jerome Keultjes (grandsons Jake, Jarrett, Jack and granddaughter Jordynn), and granddaughter, Corey and husband, John Rodgers (great-grandson Julian), all of South Bend.

Preceding her in death were her sisters, Irene Engelbert and Dorothy Oliver. Surviving siblings include Virginia Roth of Payetee, Idaho, Alberta Hageman of Berrien Springs, and William Butler of Riverside, California.

Marie encountered much adversity in her life, yet always possessed grace and dignity and never wavered in her values or morals. She was without complaint and always put others before herself. The joys in her life were her grandchildren, whom she loved caring for regularly. Marie was committed to supporting Al-Anon, which she felt filled a filled a significant void for many families. Her friends and allies far outnumber most, and she retained her distinct sense of humor until the end. Marie died peacefully in her home in South Bend surrounded by her devoted children, just as she had wished. She handled leukemia, diabetes, and heart disease with the same skill and determination she used to raise her five unruly children! Patience was her strongest virtue, which she continually passed on to her children and friends. She loved the water, and was able to spend a week at the lake with her children and grandchildren shortly before her death, enjoying the boat rides immensely. She taught us all how to love, care and respect others. Many will miss her, but none more than her children, who know just how marvelous a woman and mother she really was. Cremation will take place.

Visitation with the family is scheduled for Thursday, September 9, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Kaniewski Funeral Home on Bendix Drive in South Bend, where a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Special thank yous to Doctors Gentile and Scherb for their kindness, compassion and understanding in her struggle to maintain quality of life. Memorial contributions may be made to Al-Anon or to Elkhart General Community Hospice.