Sara E. Butler

Sara E. Butler, age 83, was surrounded by her beloved family when, after a short illness, she died on September 15, 2025. Born In Indianapolis on New Year’s Eve in 1941, Sara shared her joy in life through laughter & love. Likened to a bright shining light by a grandson, kindness & caring for others was her priority.

She met the love of her life, Terry Butler, in 1958 at the Indy 500. They married in 1961 soon after Sara graduated from Shortridge High School. After a stint in Japan with her army husband, they settled in Broad Ripple. As their family grew to include three children, Riveria Club was a favorite spot. Sara coached softball teams during her involvement with Haverford Little League’s early days of growth. Enjoying the outdoors by camping & visiting state parks was often a family activity.

Employers through the years included LS Ayres, Mass Mutual, Mutual Benefit Life & Weight Watchers. Sara retired from Conseco. She maintained friendships & continued to support co-workers at these employers after leaving. A regular animal rescuer, any stray or wild ones who found the way to the Butler home were either saved, fostered, or adopted. Sara was equally concerned with the vulnerable people in our society and even did a bit of protesting in recent years. As a faithful season ticket holder, Sara was an avid Colts fan who also traveled to several away games. She would love Daniel Jones….

After 48 years of marriage, Sara’ s light dimmed when Terry died in 2009. She never stopped missing him, but found solace & healing through her church. Extremely active in Open Door Café Ministry & serving as a Deacon, she embraced her church community with her typical enthusiasm.

A core example of Sara’s mission to make sure people felt loved were her Good Morning Texts. If she had your number, you were added to the list that was 100 plus & growing. Every morning Sara sent individual texts to each person – she wanted everyone she texted to know she was praying they have a good day. During her recent hospital stay, she was adding to the list by collecting phone numbers of nurses (because they are “so nice”)!

Sweet Sara has surely heard the words, “Well done, my good & faithful servant. Enter your rest & eternal peace.”

Survivors who will miss her dreadfully include: daughters Jennifer Lynn Butler Russell & Amy Leigh Carpenter; son Douglas Gilson Butler (Donna); Grandchildren: Alexis Marie Goin (Gary), Terry Allen Carpenter, Tyler Gilson Butler; Jack Douglas Butler, Samuel Joseph Butler, Ethan Thomas Butler; Great-grandchildren: Aiden Russell; Cameron Lee Roller, Arianna Grace Roller, Bristal Kali Goin, Sawyer Wayne Goin. Sarah was predeceased by her parents, Dale Gilson & Marie Pinnick Gilson; her spouse, Terry Butler; and her grandson, Eric Joseph Russell

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Open Door at Tabernacle Presbyterian https://tabpres.org/ or Humane Society https://indyhumane.org/about/ways-to-give/gifts-in-memory-or-in-honor-of/ .