Irene Grimes-Butdorf, 87, of Coldwater, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Fr. Rick Schark from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church officiating.
Visitation will be held, prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home.
A graveside committal service will be held Monday, November 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery for the burial of ashes.
Irene was born December 18, 1934, in Delaware, OH to Harry & RoseMarie (Wiser) Clevenger. At a young age after her mother passed away and her father was a long-haul trucker and spent weeks away from home, Irene was placed in the Methodist Foundling Home in Detroit, MI. At the age of 4, she was adopted by Elwyn & Grace (Quackenboss) Bodley of Bronson, Michigan.
She graduated from Western Michigan University in 1957 with a BA in Education. Irene married William “Bill” Grimes in June, 1957. He preceded her in death in August, 1984. She then married William “Bill” Butdorf on August 10, 1991 in Hillsdale, MI. He preceded her in death on July 5, 2021.
Irene did her student teaching in Paw Paw, MI and then started teaching in South Lyon and Vicksburg, MI for a short time before moving to their permanent home in Coldwater, MI. Mrs. Grimes began teaching at Coldwater Hight School in 1962 and taught English for 30 years, retiring in 1992.
Irene had a love of theater and performed many shows with Coldwater/Branch County Community Theater and the Tibbits Opera House. She leaves behind many friends and will be missed.
Irene is survived by her children Corbin (Evelyn) Grimes of Coldwater, Cathy (Michael) Suever of Ft. Myers, FL, her step-children Edward (Brenna) Butdorf of Wooster, OH, Douglas (Dr. Jessamyn Neuhaus) Butdorf of Plattsburgh, NY; her sister Nancy (Gerald “Jake”) Clemens of Coldwater; her grandchildren Jay Suever and Greta Andrews, Jacob Butdorf, Solaman Neuhaus and Emanuel Butdorf .
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her adopted siblings Donald Bodley, Patricia Bodley and her biological siblings Harry Clevenger II, Bobby Clevenger, Kenny Clevenger, Eddie Clevenger and Kathryn Conley.
Memorials may be directed to the Tibbits Opera House, Branch County Community Theater or the charity of one’s choice.
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