Obituary of Jane S. Butters

Jane S. Butters Jane S. Butters, 79, of Rome, passed away on January 1, 2017, at home with her family at her side. She was born on November 12, 1937, in Rome, New York, the daughter of the late Howard and Helen Mead Sykes. Jane was a graduate of the Rome Free Academy Class of 1955. On November 5, 1955, Jane married Hildred R. Butters at the First United Methodist Church in Rome. She worked for a short time at Griffiss Air Force Base before staying home to raise her children. For 28 years, Jane was employed by the Rome City School District as a Teaching Assistant, working with children with special needs. She was a long-time member of the Rome First United Methodist Church, where everyone called her "Grandma Butters," and she filled many roles throughout the years including choir member, Lay Leader, President of the United Methodist Women, Administrative Council, Food Sense, Golden Years, as well as serving on various local and district church committees. Jane was also a Hospice volunteer. Jane loved singing, listening to audiobooks, and watching cooking shows, but most of all she loved children – especially babies. Her love for the Lord was steadfast and true, and her faith in Christ was an example to all. She is survived by her faithful husband of sixty-one years, Hildred R. Butters; a son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Loren Butters of Rome; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sherry and Mark Novelli of Punta Gorda, FL, and Karen and Stephen Pogge of Hopewell Junction, N.Y.; nineteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Jane was predeceased by a brother, William Sykes. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 12:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend callings hours on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the church prior to the service. Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rome First United Methodist Church or the Jervis Public Library in Jane's memory.