Gladys R. Butler (nee James), 101, of Parma and Catawba Island passed on at her home, April 15. She was born July 11, 1920, in Cleveland, the daughter of Ruby & Walter James. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, James.

Gladys graduated from Cleveland West Tech in 1938. She achieved undergraduate degrees of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Science in Library Science from Kent State University, both conferred Cum Laude. Her graduate degree of Master’s of Education as a Remedial Reading Specialist was conferred Magnum Cum Laude.

Gladys held lifetime teaching certificates in all three areas of education as well as obtaining memberships in the International Women’s Educational Honoraries Kappa Delta Pi and Alpha Delta Kappa. She furthered the legacy given to her by her Grandfather, a 32nd Degree Mason, by becoming a member of the New Hope Chapter of the Sisterhood of the Loyal Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years.

Gladys began her professional career in Brecksville where she was an Elementary School Librarian. Her teaching career started in Parma Schools as a first-grade teacher. Since she enjoyed teaching reading, she became a Remedial Reading Specialist. She provided remediation for hundreds of children in various Parma schools. Being an inspiring teacher, she passed her love of reading onto the children. Throughout her life, she would often be seen with a book in her hands reading, even while fishing.

The Butlers made their home in Parma for more than 80 years. They spent time there gardening and maintaining an orchard as well as caring for the family horse. Gladys was an active parent being involved in Scouts and P.T.A. They enjoyed their home on Catawba Island for more than 60 years where they spent time boating and fishing. Cruising the Great Lakes became a pastime for many years. They journeyed from the Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario having experienced locking through the Welland Canal twice, locking through the Erie Barge canal, and completing the Trent-Severign Canadian Waterway in Ontario. They held memberships in both the West Harbor and Put in Bay Yacht Clubs. They were members of the Crew’s Nest Boating & Social Club for more than 40 years where they also enjoyed having seasonal dockage.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving children; son, James W (Kitty) Butler of Bath and daughter, Janet R. Beals of Tallmadge; nine dear grandchildren; Heidi (the late Brian) Marshall, James (Elisa) Butler, Kristen (Brad) Evans, Jason Butler, Katie Butler (Dave Eastwood), Pamela Beals, Laura (Mike) Barbetta, William Beals and Michael (April) Beals; thirteen blessed great-grandchildren; Emily & Brent Marshall, Tyler Butler, Kari & Ellie Evans, Joseph, Daniella & Isabella Barbetta, Brenden & Lani Beals, Peyton & Emma Beals & Abigail Beals.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Catawba Island Township Volunteer Fire Department, Port Clinton. Funeral services were held at Busch Funeral Home, Parma, OH. Interred at Woodvale Cemetery, Parma Heights, OH. 440.842.7800. www.buschcares.com.