Emma Butenas

July 30, 1940 ~
January 2, 2026

Emma K. Butenas, age 85, of Wyoming, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 2, 2026. She was born on July 30, 1940, in Rochester, New York, to Aletta and John Kuipers.

She graduated from Calvin College and studied art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. For 40 years she taught art education at various Christian elementary schools in Grand Rapids. 

She married Carl Butenas in 1986 and they attended Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Wyoming for 30 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 39 years, Carl Butenas; sister, Peggy Sawyer of Whitinsville, MA; brother, John W. Kuipers of Lowell, MA; nephews, Christopher Kuipers of Naples, FL, Jonathan Kuipers of Lowell, MA, and Jared Kuipers of Scotch Plains, NJ; nieces, Emma Catherine Kuipers of South Hadley, MA, Julie Lukens of Somerville, MA, and Christiana Kuipers of Lowell, MA.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 9, at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Harold Veldman officiating. The burial will take place at Winchester Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 8, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Lighthouse Community Ministries of Calvary CRC

 

The service will be streamed and can be viewed via this link.

Visitation
Thursday, January 8
2:00pm - 4:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Visitation
Thursday, January 8
6:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Funeral Service
Friday, January 9
11:00am

Calvary Christian Reformed Church
3500 Byron Center Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 05, 2026 10:35am
Carl, I am so sorry for your loss. Emma was such a light in this world. She will be missed by countless friends and family. She brought joy to my life. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.

- Luthene Chappell

January 04, 2026 4:01pm
Thank you for your service ma'am

- 🪶V. Scott

January 04, 2026 3:03pm
Carl, you have my deepest sympathy. I'm sorry for your loss.

- Bill Haagsma




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