Barbara Jean Butell

Barbara Jean (Lesch) Butell, a lifelong resident of Lawrence KS, passed away peacefully in her home on July 17, 2026, after being surrounded by the love of her family.

Barbara was born on February 6, 1938, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, to Joseph and Mary Axline Lesch. She grew up with a deep appreciation and respect for her family, a value that remained always at the center of her life. She graduated from Lawrence High School class of 1956.

On November 15, 1958, Barbara married the love of her life, Jim Butell. Before knowing him, she secretly watched Jim as he worked construction on the house next door and knew she wanted to meet him. They did meet, soon married, and together built a loving home and raised their three sons: Michael, Tulsa OK, Greg (Trevor), Leawood Ks and David (deceased) (Lorrie). She was a proud grandmother to her two grandsons, Austin (Kaitlyn) and Aaron (Hannah) who brought her great joy. She was “Aunt Bobbie” to 3 nieces and nephews, and just recently in March 2026, she was elated to become a great grandmother of Cambry Josephine.

Throughout her life, Barbara worked several full-time and part-time jobs, but her greatest calling and proudest accomplishment was caring for and supporting her family. She gave her love generously and always prioritized her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and careers.

Barbara loved family get-togethers and making desserts for every dinner. She enjoyed summer vacations often to Branson Mo, Nashville, Colorado Springs, and Lake of the Ozarks, where her and Jim traveled frequently, taking in country western shows, great restaurants, and souvenir shopping. She had a love for Elvis Presley and excitedly shared that she was able to see him in his final concert.

Barbara will be remembered for her loving heart, her strength, the strong devotion to her family, and the warmth she shared with everyone who knew her. Her love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, sons Christopher and David, her parents Joseph and Mary Lesch, in laws Richard and Helen Butell, sister and brother-in-law, Judith and Judd Thierolf, brother-in-law Bill Butell, and niece Kerry Thierolf Rozman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Warren McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence Ks, with the rosary said at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Lawrence, Ks on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 10 am, with burial to follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to LMH Health Foundation, St. John’s Church, or VNA Hospice.