Jeanne Stevens Butz

Jeanne Stevens Butz, age 94, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at Foulk Manor North on January 21, 2022.  She was born in Bethesda, Maryland, the youngest of seven children of George J. and Frances C. Stevens.  She grew up surrounded by a large and loving family.

Jeanne attended Bethesda public schools from kindergarten through 12^th grade graduating from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in 1945.  She earned a B.S. Degree in Education from the University of Maryland, class of 1949.  She taught kindergarten in the Montgomery County, Maryland school system at Kensington and Parkwood Elementary Schools and enjoyed teaching the children immensely.

Jeanne married the love of her life, Bill Butz, in 1953 and moved to Delaware.  They celebrated their 63^rd anniversary in June, 2016.  Together they raised their three sons in their homes in Fairfax and later in Hockessin.  While she loved teaching, she most cherished raising her sons, Chip, Bill and Steve.  She adored her sons and all of her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She always enjoyed watching their many activities.

Jeanne volunteered in numerous community, civic and church activities.  During her sons’ school years, Jeanne served as a substitute teacher in the Alfred I. and Alexis I. DuPont school districts.  She also held many interests including art, music, reading, gardening and baking.  Music was a particular passion of Jeanne’s beginning with early years of piano lessons and later advanced vocal instruction.  She acquired a life-long love of singing in various choral groups, church choirs, madrigal singers, opera productions and enjoyed learning musical artistry.

Jeanne was a Deacon, and with her husband, Bill, was a 50-year member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  She sang in the choir and loved being part of such a fine, talented group of dedicated vocalists.  Later, Jeanne became the church secretary of Westminster and truly felt it was her calling.  She enjoyed working with all members, staff and volunteers.  It was happy, fulfilling work which Jeanne loved.

Jeanne loved to spend time with her family, friends and neighbors.  She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and grace.  She always had a kind word and a gentle soul.  She made many long and lasting friendships.  She truly enjoyed life.

Jeanne was predeceased by her husband Bill, her parents, siblings and daughter-in-law Michelle.  She is survived by her three loving sons, Chip (Patricia), Bill and Steve (Donna); four grandchildren Lauren (DJ), Mallory, Craig (Rachael) and Sarah (Scott); and five great-grandchildren Ella, Claire, Ben, George and Benjamin.

All Services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2^nd floor, Newark, DE 19711 or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13^th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.