"Gary, we don't know each other, but please do know that Kathy touched countless lives. Sincere condolences to you and your family. Kathy was a wonderful person, loved by many. Peace to you and yours. Dave Kurtz Snohomish County Superior Court 3000 Rockefeller Avenue M/S 502 Everett, WA 98201 "
In loving memory of
Kathleen "Kathy" Buss
August 24, 1953 - March 5, 2018
MADISON- Kathleen S. "Kathy" Buss (nee Butler) went to be with the Lord, on Monday, March 5, 2018, at Agrace Hospice with her family by her side. She was 64 and had battled Multiple Sclerosis for many years.
Kathy was born in August of 1953 in Madison to Thomas and Bonnie Butler and grew up in the Monroe Street neighborhood.
Kathy attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and graduated from Madison West High School in 1971. She earned a degree in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her college career, she took great pride in being a member of the Wisconsin Singers. While finishing her studies, she worked part time at J.C. Penney where she met the love of her life, Gary.
She worked for many years as the Telecommunications Supervisor at St. Mary's Hospital. She retired early due to the physical challenges associated with M.S.
Along with having a beautiful singing voice, Kathy was very creative. She sewed pretty quilts, designed and baked delicious wedding cakes, and had an eye for interior design. Her home was always festively decorated for the season. For Christmas, her family could always look forward to a box of tasty holiday cookies and homemade ornaments! Kathy also enjoyed camping, scrapbooking, book club and her bible study group. Door County was a favorite vacation destination with her family and friends.
Kathy is survived by Gary, her husband of 39 years; sons Tory and Tyler (Melissa Flom, fiancé), brother Jeff (Jennifer) Butler, sisters, Jayme (Randy) Wilson, Peggy (Paul) Wirtzfeld, brothers-in-law Ron (Dawn) Buss, Randy (Jen) Buss, sisters-in-law Pam (Benoit) Kosman and Colleen Clark Buss, along with 18 nephews and 8 nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Bonnie Butler, in-laws Kenneth and Lorraine Buss, brother Terry Butler and her grandparents.
A visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00AM on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 SPEEDWAY RD, MADISON. There will be a private family service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Kathy's name to the National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163; or Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd, Madison
608-238-3434
Tributes
"When our family moved to Madison, Kathy's brother Terry became my first and best friend as I started high school. The Butler family immediately became my other family. Kathy, a year younger, bloomed like an Irish rose. She somehow tamed the boorish nature of our band of high school miscreants. But she was always up for our adventures when we invaded Fish Lake. Summers on the lake were simply idyllic, and though we were too dumb to know it then, it was the warmth and love of the Butler family that made it so. And Kathy embodied all of that. What sweet, sweet memories she made for us then, and I can only imagine the incredible store of remembrances she has bequeathed to her family. We are all better for having known Kathy, for however brief a time. "
"I didn't know Kathy but worked with her husband, Gary many years ago at Shopko. My sincere thoughts and prayers to your family during this very difficult time. "
"I met Kathy on her 16th birthday at Fish Lake where both of our families had summer trailers. She was sunbathing on a raft across the lake and I was water skiing. I decided to "show off" and sprayed her with water as I went by. Feeling guilty, I went back and apologized. I was a year younger than her, but we were almost inseparable for the next couple of summers. Many nights, we were the entertainment around the campfire with her family and friends singing and playing guitar. Kathy left quite the impression on me and I have thought of her often through the years and I know I will continue to cherish those great memories. Dave Coyne"
"Hello Gary and family: Many fond memories of Kathy. First and foremost was her love for her family. She always had a smile on her face when speaking about her loved ones. Another fond memory is how beautifully she decorated the home ... very tasteful and inviting. Will look forward to catching up with her in heaven. Having an artist's eye, she will no doubt thrive in the presence of the Master Designer. -Elaine Carlson"
"Sending prayers of peace and comfort. I was blessed to know Kathy and treasured her kind heart. "
"Dear Kathy, I will always cherish the memories of gatherings, particularly Christmas, at Ken and Lorraine's with all the kids!! The beautiful Christmas tree ornaments you made for me with my children's names and birthdates are my favorites and will always be. I will miss you dear Kathy. Rest in peace. You are the bravest, strongest soul I have ever known. XO"
"Gary and family, I was sad to see that Kathy had passed away. Although we have lost touch I am still with Pomp's. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this hard time. Cathy"
"Kathy was my friend, cohort, and roommate at UW-Madison in WI Singers. Her voice was so beautiful and she had so many "crafty" talents. I benefitted from her steady optimism, love, and unwavering support. I loved her frequent and unique "jaw-dropping" laugh. My best to Gary, her sons, and the Butler family. Thinking of all if you with great love. "
"I had the privilege of performing with Kathy in Wisconsin Singers during our undergrad days at the UW Madison. I remember her to be fun loving, talented, and a generous soul. Sending her family lots of prayers for strength during this difficult time. Kathy lives on in our hearts. Robin Whitty Novotny"
"Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss. Duane and Sandy Ehle"