Patricia Louise Butterworth

Patricia Louise Butterworth was born December 5th, 1948 in Highland, Illinois to parents Howard Ellsworth Harford and Norma Louise Wise Wilson. She passed away peacefully in her home in Wilmore, Kentucky on May 14th, 2024. She is survived by her husband Donald Butterworth, her 2 children and their families: Daughter, Amy Camuglia, her husband Joseph Camuglia, grandchildren- Nicholas Catero, his wife Bridget Wade and their son, Calvin Wade; Sarah Catero, Rebecca Camuglia and her son Theo Hamilton, Christopher Camuglia, and Heather Camuglia; daughter, Christine Erny, her husband Stuart Erny, their children Wesley Erny and his wife Savannah Erny and great grandson Chase Couch, Luke Erny, and Caroline Erny; brother Jon Harford and his wife Suzanne Harford and their boys Matthew Harford and Danny Harford.

Devoted Wife

Patricia (Patti) and Donald (Don) were married June 18, 1977. Together, they raised Amy and Christine and made a life for themselves in Wilmore, Kentucky. They were truly partners in life and it was rare that they would be away from each other for more than a day or two at a time (and even that was rare). Mother of Amy and Christine Patti, Amy and Christine are the ones who have been together from the very beginning. They bonded in an extraordinary way when it was just the three of them, before Patti met and married Don. In recent years the three of them developed a daily chat/face-time/phone call routine that kept them close and connected to the very end.

Salt of the Earth

Patti was most in her element when serving others and lived into this passion in a variety of ways. From working in the local school as a special education para to faithfully serving for decades in the church nursery and on the welcoming committee. She often befriended those who were going through a rough time and needed some extra support. It was the daily kindnesses and thoughtful gestures that meant so much to so many.

Flower Power

Another passion of Patti’s was the vegetable, flower and herb gardens that she and Don cultivated together. When visiting her home during the Spring, Summer and Fall, you could count on fresh-cut flowers adorning the tables and countertops of her home. When she came to visit, you could expect the gift of fresh flowers or vegetables from her garden. Her gardening gloves and tools, typically seen on the front porch, were symbols of her love for God’s green earth.

Wild Woman

Patti had a wild side…especially when with her grandkids and other kids she took under her wing. One classic example is when she, along with the grandchildren, went sledding down the hill on their property on flattened cardboard boxes. Patti was over 50 at the time! Another example is when she traveled by herself to Kathmandu, Nepal (her first time out of the country) to be with Christine and Stu and to help Christine usher her baby boy Luke into the world. She weathered the rustic living conditions like a seasoned adventurer!

Lover of Jesus

Patti’s life was a living testament to the words of Jesus: The greatest among you will be your servant (Matt. 23:11) In this sense, she was truly great. She chose to follow Jesus at a young age and she never looked back. Her faith is what carried her through the highs and lows of life and it is what allowed her to walk through the valley, since her cancer diagnosis just over a year ago, with such grace, hope and optimism. One of her favorite songs was Fernando Ortega’s “Give Me Jesus.” The final verse now rings especially true: When I come to die When I come to die When I come to die, give me Jesus.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM at Wilmore Free Methodist Church, with Pastor Daryl Diddle and Pastor Dean Cook officiating. Although there will be no visitation prior to the service, an ice cream social will be held immediately following at Wilmore Free Methodist Church for family and friends to share in celebration of Patti's life. An online guestbook is available at www.BettsAndWestFuneralHome.com

(In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Patti can be sent to Evangelism Resources, 425 Epworth Avenue, Wilmore, KY 40390)