Donna L. Butner

Donna L. Butner, 87, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 2:49 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Reflections Memory Care in Pekin.

Donna was born on March 17, 1939, in Manito, Illinois, to Eddie and Helen (Hazlett) Sanders. In 1984, she married James K. Butner, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2016.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, and one sister.

Donna's greatest legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her four children: Brad (Debra) Barnard of Pekin; Teresa (Mark) Fitzjerrells of Dubuque, Iowa; Patricia (Joe) Norman of Houston, Texas; and Steven (Jen) Butner of Denver, Colorado.

She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Lynsey, Maddison, Noah, and Bradley Barnard; Kody, Kasey, and Khloe Fitzjerrells; Justin Norman; and Preston Butner; as well as four great-grandchildren: Sophia and Caroline Adams, and Nora and Stella Fitzjerrells.

Donna found joy in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed sipping a skosh of wine, traveling, and getting lost in a good book. These were some of the things that brought her happiness and made life a little sweeter.

A memorial service celebrating Donna's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, with Pastor Dena Fuller officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .

Donna will be remembered with love by her family and all those whose lives she touched. Her memory will live on through the generations of family she leaves behind and the many moments they will continue to cherish.