Obituaries
Melissa D. Butts
March 27, 1974 - August 12, 2023
- Funeral
- September 2, 2023 | 9:30 A.M.
- Cornerstone UMC 41W170 Russell Road Plato Center
Melissa Dawn Butts, 49, of Saint Charles, Illinois, ascended to her eternal home in the early hours of
Saturday, August 12, 2023, following her seven-year battle with breast cancer. With her loving husband
Daryl by her side, and with the support of her family and friends, she spent her final hours in the
comfort of her home.
Melissa was born on March 27, 1974 in Peoria, Illinois to parents Tom and Gail (Zielinski) Daman of
Schofield, Wisconsin. Melissa had a lifelong passion for teaching and a love for children. She taught at
several schools in the Peoria area, which led her to becoming the curriculum director at Primrose
School in South Elgin, Illinois. After a hiatus to focus on her family, she was drawn back to brought
into teaching and spent several years continuing to pursue her passion at Stepping Stones Cornerstone
Church.
Melissa met her husband Daryl in February 2006. Their love story began when they met at Tasting
deVine in Wheaton, Illinois. It was a truly perfect first date, with many more to follow. On December
30, 2006, Melissa and Daryl were married and made their home in the bucolic town of Plato Center,
Illinois. As the love of his life, Melissa was an amazing and loving wife and partner to Daryl. Together,
Melissa and Daryl built a beautiful and fulfilling life, founded several successful small businesses, and
were active members of the community.
Melissa was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Isabel and Stella, and a wonderful stepson, Austin.
By all who knew her, never was there a more fervent and loving mother than Melissa. She was devoted
and doting as she supported Austin in his activities and volunteered at Isabel and Stella’s school
functions, as well as being cheer coach for the girls. She proudly attended all cheer competitions,
games, choir concerts, piano recitals, swim meets, and everything in between.
In 2018, Melissa and Daryl moved their family to Saint Charles, Illinois. With her magnetic personality
and infectious laugh, Melissa immediately made many new friends in her community. She devoted her
time to volunteering and loved being a part of her book club, the “Book Worms.” Her beautiful smile,
and fun-loving personality made her loved by all that met her.
Melissa is survived by her husband Daryl; daughters Isabel and Stella and stepson Austin; parents Tom
and Gail Daman; brother Christian Daman (Jill Hart)}; niece Abigail Daman; nephews
Andrew Daman, Colin and Ethan Hart, Brock and Brody Butts, and Cody and Noah Hanline; in-laws
Wayne and Linda Butts, Brian Butts (Gina Hansen), Kristy Hanline (neé Dwight); and many
aunts, uncles, and cousins. Melissa was sadly preceded in death by her son, Thomas Henry Butts.
Melissa leaves behind an amazing legacy to all that knew her. Her life story is full of hard work, fun,
laughter, forgiveness, creativity, and patience. She loved Jesus and she represented his love, kindness,
and forgiveness. She was truly blessed to have the Lord in her. She will be sincerely missed.
A Celebration of Life will take place for family members and their guests at Cornerstone UMC, located
at 41W170 Russell Road in Plato Center, beginning at 9:30am on Saturday, September 2, 2023. The
Rev. Melissa Hood, Senior Pastor will officiate. Beginning at 4:00pm, guests and friends are invited to
join the family for a tribute at The Windings of Ferson Creek Club House, located at 42W346 Retreat
Court in Saint Charles.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Melissa Butts Family Education Fund
(Go Fund Me) to assist in higher education needs for Melissa’s daughters, Isabel and Stella.
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Condolences
Robbie Anderson from Peoria, IL
"I have known Mel and her family for over thirty years. She is a great friend that will be sorely missed."
Heather Butts from Sycamore, IL
"Daryl and family - I'm truly so sorry for your loss of Melissa. Keep in mind that she is no longer suffering or in any kind of pain. Hold those special memories close to your heart. Someday we'll meet our loved ones with open arms and everlasting love. She's your guardian angel now. And watching over you. She's smiling down from heaven on you all. I send my love, hugs, and support to you all I'm here for you if you need a shoulder to lean on. Or someone to chat to. Love you guys."
Lee from Elgin, IL
"I have known Melissa through our daughters’ cheer. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray our Heavenly Father will give your peace and comfort during this difficult time."
Peg O’Neill and family from Elgin, IL
"Melissa will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. She was a beautiful soul, gone too soon."
from ,
"I had the pleasure to first meet Melissa in 2018. She was the most kind sincere beautiful person you will ever come by. She greeted you with open arms and left you feeling like you have known her forever. I am blessed to had the opportunity to spend time with Melissa. Heaven has gained an exceptional true angel. God bless Daryl, his children and family."
Anita Brazile from Bradenton, FL
"Daryl and family, I am sorry for the loss of Melissa. Melissa was a beautiful soul, her smile and sparkle in her eyes will live on in many hearts ❤️. Rest in peace sweet Melissa 🕊️"
Michelle Calbeck from St. Charles, IL
""I had the pleasure to first meet Melissa in 2018. She was the most kind sincere beautiful person you will ever come by. She greeted you with open arms and left you feeling like you have known her forever. I am blessed to had the opportunity to spend time with Melissa. Heaven has gained an exceptional true angel. God bless Daryl, his children and family.""
from ,
"I remembered Melissa from PrimeRose. She was a wonderful person who had a huge heart for the “kids” at school. She welcomed my son ever morning with a bright smile and a big hug. Melissa will be remembered fondly by many. I am so sorry for your loss."
from ,
"Mrs. Butts was one of the kindest and most caring person I have ever known she was always there for her family and friends I remember when I would go to their house and she was always so happy and so kind. She was also a super funny person she always had some of the best jokes and her laugh and her smile would light up any room. Heaven has gained another angle ❤️"
Mark Welch from Naples , FL
"Just learned of your passing. Deeply saddened that you left us so soon. One of the kindest person I ever met!"
Lindsey Stifler from Dallas, TX
"I will never forget meeting Melissa in 1998. I was coming into a new family for the first time and she welcomed me with a big hug and a bigger smile. It was always like that when I saw her. Just happy and joyous. I am with heavy heart about your loss and would like to leave this quote here:"Unable to perceive the shape of you, I find you all around me. Your presence fills my eyes with your love. It humbles my heart ,for you are everywhere."Love you all too much, Lindsey, Coco and Marlowe❤️"
Don & Trisha Raap from Elgin, IL
"Our deepest sympathy for the loss of such an angel by the name of Melissa Butts. Don knew Daryl for many years as I met them both about 7 years ago. They were the sweetest, kindest couple. If you all still want to come on our boat again the girls, Daryl & Melissa in the breeze please let's us know. Daryl you were the best, husband, Father & friend. Please let us know if you need anything. We will always love you & miss you forever Melissa, please rest in peace, no more suffering! May God ne with you & ur family."
Richard Brazile from Union Grove, WI
"Butts and Daman Family I am very sorry for your lost, Melissa will be Loved and missed Forever. Melissa and the Family will forever be in my Prayer"
Pastor Cal and Gwen Culpepper from Rockford , IL
"Daryl and family, Our prayers are with you and yours. We all feel the void of the physical absence of our loved one, "Melissa." Now may our memories, of the close and personal contact with Melissa, remind us of who she was and "whose" she was, praise God!"
Nicole Devine from Geneva , IL
"I wish I would have had the pleasure of meeting Melissa. She sounds like she was an absolutely wonderful person. It was an honor to play her special song for her Celebration of Life. Thank you to Brittany for trusting me with the task. My deepest condolences go out to all of Melissa’s family and friends at this difficult time."
Laura Daniel from Barrington, IL
"We are so sorry to miss Melissa's celebration of life, your family has been in our thoughts and prayers. We loved Melissa and her time with us at Primrose was a significant part of our school's history. May God's blessings be with you and your girls."