Marilyn J. (Smith) Butler

Marilyn J. Butler, 94, of Peru, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Peru, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived.

Born on January 5, 1932, in Peru, Indiana, Marilyn was the daughter of Lionel E. Smith and Mary M. (Wiley) Smith. A lifelong resident of the Peru area, she graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1949 and devoted her life to her family, faith, community, and the many friendships she cultivated over the years.

On February 3, 1952, Marilyn married the love of her life, Thomas J. Butler. Together they shared nearly 51 years of marriage before Tom's passing on January 10, 2003. Their partnership was built on love, perseverance, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit. Side by side, they operated Dolly Madison Products, the Paramount Bar, Tom & Marilyn's Toyland, and Tom & Marilyn's Arts & Crafts, serving the Peru community for nearly four decades. Through these businesses, they formed lasting friendships and became familiar and cherished faces to generations of local families.

Marilyn's greatest joy was always her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and adoring great-grandmother. She cherished family gatherings, holidays, playing cards, and the simple pleasure of spending time with those she loved. Her kindness, strength, and steady presence created a foundation that will continue to guide her family for generations to come.

Guided by her faith, Marilyn attended Grace Brethren Church and found comfort in its fellowship throughout the years. She had a lifelong passion for quilting and painting and took great pride in sharing her creations with those she loved. She was also active in the VFW Auxiliary, where she formed lasting friendships and enjoyed serving her community.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Karen E. Smyth of Peru, Indiana; Hal T. Butler of Marlborough, Massachusetts; granddaughter Samantha Smyth and children, Sloane and Taliya of Peru; granddaughter Nichole Smyth-Wilson (Thomas) and children, Rhys and Finn of Carmel, Indiana; and grandson Brandon Smyth (Laura) and children, Bryce and Chloe Smyth and Isabella, Josiah, and Urijah Acosta of Peru. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Her great-grandchildren were among her greatest blessings and brought immeasurable joy to her later years. She delighted in their visits, treasured their laughter, and took great pride in watching each of them grow into their own unique person while celebrating life's many milestones.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Butler; her parents, Lionel E. Smith and Mary M. (Wiley) Smith; and her siblings, Wayne W. Smith, Gordon D. Smith, Milburn R. Smith, and Patricia Pencek.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St. Peru. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Deer Creek Cemetery in Onward, Indiana.

Though her family grieves her passing, they take comfort in the many memories she leaves behind—the example of a life marked by faith, perseverance, generosity, and unconditional love. Marilyn's legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives were touched by her gentle spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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