First Lady Emerita Ruth M. Butler

Ruth Marie Butler was born on August 18th 1941 to James and Juliette Robinson. She was the second child and first daughter. (She had an older brother James Jr.) No one knew on that warm summer day that a few months later,( Dec.7) the United States would be plunged into World War 2. Her birth proved to be fortuitous because it kept her father out of the draft. (Men with two children were exempted). Her father worked in one of the Defense Plants instead. Four more children were added to the Robinson family. Timothy, Harold, Carmena and finally Elizabeth Ann. That made an even six, three girls and three boys. Ruth or “Baby Sister” as she was affectionally called, enjoyed her position in the family. She considered herself to be her Mother’s right hand assistant. She took it upon herself to keep her younger brothers in line. She nurtured and cared for her younger sisters, often taking them places and bringing them treats as well. That nurturing support and love remained a lifelong habit. She accepted Christ at an early age. In her case, that statement is more than a cliché that is printed in just about every obituary. She not only accepted Christ and was baptized-- she served Him for a lifetime. She was an active member of Lilydale First Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Calumet High School and attended Wright Junior College. Eventually she met James Butler who was also a member of Lilydale First Baptist Church and lived in the same neighborhood, Princeton Park, on Chicago’s Southside. James was first ordained a deacon, and then accepted the call to preach. He was licensed and ordained in June of 1960. After their courtship they married on June 4, 1961. To that union were born three children Linda (Leonard) Howard (Kim) and Stephen (Roshanda) When the children were older, she was employed at Chicago State University. She decided to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll there and eventually earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. Later, she received her Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership from Concordia University. Her natural nurturing tendencies and the fact that she had a playful side as well stood her in good stead as she was a Chicago Public school teacher for many years. Ruth was a dedicated and loving wife. She was always by her husband’s side during his years of pastoring the following churches: Pioneer M.B. Church, Peoples’ Community Baptist Church, Combined Faith Baptist Church, Greater Shiloh Baptist Church and finally, New Rose Of Sharon Baptist Church. During her years as “First Lady,” she became actively involved in the Christian Education ministries of the church. She taught Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and taught several courses with Antioch Baptist District Association. Ruth was also an active member of the Metropolitan Ministers’ Wives for many years. On May 30, 2017, the Lord called her beloved husband Pastor James Butler home to Glory. Immediately following this event, Ruth was diagnosed with dementia. Ruth was moved to the Cottages of New Lenox and later to Arden Courts Memory Care Of South Holland. Jesus promises us in His Word that “He will never leave us or forsake us.” There was always a calming presence around Ruth and the staff at both places claimed that Ruth was their favorite resident. Around 2:30am on Wednesday morning, November 5th, Ruth slipped quietly and peacefully away into the hands of her Savior. She leaves to cherish her memories one daughter, Linda (Leonard), two sons, James Howard (Kim) and Stephen (Roshanda); one grandson, Stephen Warren; one brother, Timothy (Ruth Lenore) two sisters, Carmena (Gerard Sr.); Elizabeth Ann; a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; her best friend since kindergarten, Mrs. Sandra Berry; New Rose Of Sharon Baptist Church Family Her parents, James & Juliette Robinson, brothers, James Jr., and Harold along with her husband, Rev. James Butler all preceded her in death.

First Lady Emerita Ruth M. Butler

August 18, 1941 - November 5, 2025