Judith Crouch Butler

Judith Ann Crouch Butler of Peoria, Arizona, passed away on February 13, 2015, at age 73. Judy was born in Phoenix on May 29, 1941 and grew up in Glendale. She met her future husband, Nelson Butler in 2nd grade at Glendale Elementary. In 4th grade, Judy told her mother she planned to marry Nelson, although they didn't begin dating until students at Glendale High. Judy and Nelson went on to attend the University of Arizona where she pledged Gamma Phi Beta sorority and graduated with a teaching degree in three years. Judy and Nelson married on August 11, 1962 in Glendale. After living in Los Angeles for four years, where Nelson attended dental school at USC and Judy taught 2nd grade, they opened a dental practice in downtown Glendale. Nelson still practices there with their elder son, Ben. Judy raised her two boys and worked part-time for Dr. Matt O. Hanhila before retiring to spend more time with her parents and grandchildren. Judy is survived by her husband Nelson, sons Ben (Kelli) and Brad (Stephanie), and grandchildren Benjamin 22, Colin 21, Morgan 20, Cameron 19; and beloved older brother Bob Crouch, of Long Beach, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louise and Bob "Coach" Crouch. Family and friends were Judy's main joy in life. She was the Cub Scout Leader, the homeroom mom, the neighbor you'd go to for help or a pep talk. She was always ready to host a party in her home - for her sons' friends, for Glendale High Reunions, for weddings or anniversaries. Many happy times were spent at their Peoria home and their cabin in Greer, AZ. All that knew her will miss her deeply. Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church of Glendale, the church where Judy was baptized and married. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to Glendale Rotary Foundation (6838 N. 58th Drive, Glendale 85301) or to Hospice of the Valley