SOUTHPORT – Barbara Cross Butler, 75, of Southport, and Zephyrhills, Fla., quietly passed away Friday, July 9, 2004, at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, surrounded by her loving family. She had been diagnosed with cancer less than four weeks ago. She was born Dec. 21, 1928, in Augusta, to Burton M. Cross and Olena R. Cross. She graduated from Cony High School in 1946, and graduated from LaSalle Jr. College in 1948. She worked at the family-owned floral business, Cross Flowers, where she fell in love with her husband, Richard P. Butler. They were married in Augusta on June 26, 1949, and just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. She worked side-by-side with her husband in their floral business Butler Twins Floral Center. She was Dick’s assistant as Mrs. Claus for several generations. Her favorite job was taking care of Dick and raising six daughters. She was a former member of the Koussinoc Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was predeceased by her parents, former Governor Burton and Olena Cross in 1998; and sister, Burtina Cross in 1956. She is survived by her loving husband, Dick; her six daughters, 19 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren: daughter, Mrs. Linda Pekins and her husband, Bob, and grandchildren, Ame Drake and great-granddaughter, Emily Drake-Michaud; Daniel Roy and his fianc?e, Jessica; Rob and Alyssa Pekins and great-granddaughter, Alexia; Paul Pekins, and Mathew Pekins; daughter, Mrs. Karen Roak and her husband, Don, and grandchildren, Jennifer Fielding and her husband, Brian, and great-granddaughter, Abbie; Adam Palmer; Kate Palmer and her fianc?, Jon; Bob Roak; Becky Roak; and Bill Roak; daughter, Mrs. Debbie Sylvester and her husband, Brian, and grandchildren, Nate Sylvester and his wife, Nicky Mathieu; and Kara Sylvester; daughter, Mrs. Judy Moody and her husband, Ike, and grandchildren, Joshua Moody and Matt Moody; daughter, Ms. Dee Dee Love and her partner, Jeff, and grandchildren, Tina Love and her partner, Dan; Stephanie Love and her partner, Ryan; daughter, Ms. Nancy Butler and grandchildren, Anna Adams and Nicole Adams; She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Worthing and her husband, Bob; brother-in-law, Father Bob Butler and his wife, Josephine; and her special nieces, Cindy, Sherri, Sue and Lori. Barbara enjoyed reading, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and watching Nascar races. She worked hard preparing for Maine Day in Zephyrhills, Fla., for many years. She treasured sitting on the porch at the Southport Homestead and adored the view of the beautiful gardens that Dick lovingly tended. Barbara and Dick enjoyed entertaining family and friends at the Homestead and took pleasure in watching the boats go by in Townsend Gut. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Thursday, July 15, at Knowlton & Hewins, 1 Church St., Augusta. Family and friends may visit with the family from 12-2 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following. Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Mid Coast Hospital, 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011, St. Andrews Hospital & Healthcare Center, PO Box 417, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or the Shriners Hospital, 12502 North Pine Dr., Tampa, FL 33612-9499. The family would like to thank the professional staffs at St. Andrews Hospital and Mid Coast Hospital for their loving care. www.khrfuneralhomes.com
BARBARA CROSS BUTLER
