Mary Virginia Butcher

Mary Virginia Butcher, 77, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Union Hospital at Dover, Ohio following a period of declining health.A daughter of the late Creed and May O. (Clark) Spiker, Mary was born August 21, 1932 at Grafton, West Virginia.Mary graduated from Grafton High School in 1950. On October 16, 1954, she married the love of her life, Russell Hugh Butcher. The couple shared 48 years of marriage prior to Russell’s passing on December 9, 2002.She will be remembered for having a passion for life which a great part of included her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary often volunteered her time and donated to various charities. She also enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and traveling to Amish Country to attend flea markets.Mary is survived by her children, Dr. Ronald K. (Deb) Butcher of Pittman, New Jersey, Linda K. Mason of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Kurt L. Butcher of Findlay, Ohio and Philip R. (Sarah) Butcher of New Philadelphia, Ohio; a daughter-in-law, Dee Butcher of New Philadelphia, Ohio; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Carl Spiker.The family will receive guests on Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, Ohio. Calling hours again will be held on Monday, August 2, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home at Grafton, West Virginia. A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will follow at 12 p.m. in Ford Funeral Home with Rev. Don Mason officiating. Following the services, Mary will be laid to rest alongside her husband in the West Virginia National Cemetery.Contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Pan Ohio Hope Ride c/o American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.