Nancy E. Butterfield's Obituary
Nancy Ellen Butterfield, age 87, passed away in South Haven, MI, on Friday, February 6, 2026. Nancy was born in Remus, MI, on March 16th, 1938, to Harry and Josephine (Bott) DeBard.
Nancy moved to Muskegon when she was young and graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1956. She went on to study at Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University. Shortly after graduating she was offered a teaching position at Maple Grove School in Muskegon, where she taught for a few years before taking a position teaching social studies and English at Mona Shores Jr. High, where she taught for 40 years before retiring. Nancy had a love of theater and music, and she also enjoyed baking and spending time in her garden. She was a longtime member at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where she served as a eucharistic minister. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing with many different groups over the years. She was well-traveled, going to Hawaii and Europe multiple times throughout her life. More than anything she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Nancy will be lovingly remembered by her two children: John (Shelly) Butterfield and Carrie (Dave) Beukelman; eight grandchildren: John Butterfield, Ron Butterfield, Sunny Lachaire, McKenna (Erich) Alden, Curtis Munson, William Sherrard, Taylor (Austin) Wendzel, and Jessica (Josh) Green; several great-grandchildren; brother, James (Sherry) DeBard; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Josephine DeBard; two sisters, Janet (Vic) Bouckaert and Harriet Aker; and four nephews: Kirk Bouckaert, Danny Aker, Dan Scheibner, and Aaron DeBard.
A MEMORIAL MASS will be held for Nancy at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 2929 McCracken St, Norton Shores, MI, 49441. MEMORIAL VISITATION will be held from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444, as well as at church an hour prior to the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mona Shores Education Foundation. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://sytsemafh.com.
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