Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
Chris Butler, CFSPPresident
Zack WilsonDirector of Operations/Ceremony Specialist
Katie Mendenhall WilsonDirector of Funeral Service Operations/Ceremony Specialist
Paul OlsonSenior Licensed Funeral Director/Ceremony Specialist
Chris Butler, CFSP, was born in Springfield, IL and is a graduate of Christ the King Grade School, Griffin High School, Springfield College in Illinois, the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, Forest Park Mortuary Science Program in St. Louis, MO, and the National Foundation of Funeral Service School of Management. Chris is an active participant in many funeral service organizations including Selected Independent Funeral Homes, International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association, and various other educational organizations, and has served in various office capacities for several funeral service organizations.
Chris is also active in the Springfield community, and is currently a member of Christ the King Parish-where he was honored as 2014 Distinguished Alumnus, Knights of Columbus Council 4179, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Bishop Griffin Assembly, American Business Club (past Board Member and past President), and is an Ambassador of Hope for the Hope Institute for Children and Families. Chris also served as a past Board Member for the American Cancer Society, past Chairman of the Business Drive for Springfield College in Illinois, past Division Chairman for the United Way of Central Illinois, and past Ambassador and current member of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. He also previously served as a member of the St. John's Hospital Advisory Council and served on the Renovation Committee for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Legacy of Faith Campaign for Christ the King Church. Chris has also has been active with Downtown Springfield, Inc. and is a current member. He served on the Advisory Board of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and on the advisory board for St. Patrick’s Grade School. He is a member of the School Board at Christ the King School and Parish Council. Chris and his wife Val are served as the 2017 United Way Campaign Co-Chairs. An advocate for animals, Chris is also glad to be a supporter of the Animal Protective League. In 2013, Chris and Butler Funeral Homes were honored by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce with the Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017, Chris was inducted into the Sacred Heart- Griffin High School Hall of Fame. In 2018, Chris & Val were honored by the Great Springfield Chamber of Commerce with the Business Owner of the Year Award for Outstanding Civic Involvement –which recognizes business owners who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, community stewardship and positive social and/or economic impact on the region.
Chris is the President of Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center, and serves as CEO. He helped form the funeral home continued care program that now includes the "Holiday Help" program, designed to assist families during the holidays and other significant days. He founded the Butler Cremation Tribute Center in 2000, and started the Pet Services Division for the Cremation Center. Most recently, Chris has expanded the Butler organization to include McCullough-Delaney & Butler Funeral Home in New Berlin (2005) and Roselawn Memorial Park (2007) and has made short and long term renovations to help preserve this beautiful and historic cemetery. In addition, the Park has added more options for memorialization following cremation, a natural burial area, and Roselawn Pet Cemetery adjacent to the current cemetery. In 2015, Boardman-Smith Funeral Home became an affiliate of the Butler organization and in 2018, The Funeral Home (now known as Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center-Chatham) and Sangamon Prairie Reception Center (now known as Prairie View Reception Center)-both located in Chatham, Illinois-joined the Butler Family of Organizations.
Chris and his wife Val, who serves as the Communications and Marketing Coordinator for the organization, enjoy working in their yard, traveling, and spending time with their daughters, Camilla & Audra and their dogs Millie, and Pearl. Pearl serves as a Certified Grief Comfort Dog for the Butler organization. They also miss dearly their dogs, Turney and Pippen, and cat, Jordan, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Chris is glad to be a life-long resident of the Springfield community and also enjoys the spirit that is present in each of the communities served by Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center, Roselawn Memorial Park, and Boardman-Smith Funeral Home.
Zack Wilson joined the staff of Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center in December of 1999. He is a Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Cremation Specialist, and Celebrant. He also serves as the Director of Operations for the Butler Family of Organizations.
Katie Mendenhall Wilson
Director of Funeral Service Operations/Ceremony Specialist
Katie Mendenhall Wilson has spent most of her life in the New Berlin and Pleasant Plains area. Katie is a graduate of Pleasant Plains High School and Capital Area Career Center in Health Occupations and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Sciences majoring in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Katie has worked in the funeral service profession since 1999.
Katie proudly joined the Butler Funeral Homes team in July of 2006 and is a Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Cremation Specialist, and Celebrant. She also serves as the Director of Funeral Service Operations for the Butler Family of Organizations and looks forward to continuing to assist area families and growing professionally for years to come.
Paul Olson was born in Dixon, IL, the son of Daniel and Harriet Olson. He is a 1999 graduate of Tower Hill High School, and he has received degrees from Lake Land College in Mattoon and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. In 2011, Paul received his mortuary science degree from Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL while serving as President of the school’s chapter of Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity.
Paul began his funeral service career helping families in Decatur, IL. Paul joined Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Centers in Springfield, IL in April of 2016 as a licensed Funeral Director, Certified Cremation Specialist and Celebrant. Paul takes pride in creating meaningful ceremonies for families, and he looks forward to continuing assisting families in the years to come.
Paul currently lives in Virden, IL with his wife Ashley, two stepsons, a daughter, and a house full of pets. In his spare time he enjoys various activities with his family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, roller skating, reading and supporting charitable causes and participating in fundraisers.
Jessica Murry, a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Certified Cremation Specialist and Celebrant, joined the Butler family in 2015. She was raised in Braidwood, IL, the daughter of Sherie and Bob Hauck and beloved father, Michael Murry. She is a 2009 graduate of Reed-Custer High School. Jessica was drawn at the age of 12 into funeral services by a combination of past experience from her father’s sudden passing and guidance and support from her grandmother; Doris. She would later earn her bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences, majoring in Mortuary Science and Funeral Services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL in 2013. From high school and college cheerleader, Jessica knew she wanted to serve, educate and counsel families through one’s darkest and most difficult times of their life. She is very dedicated to her profession and recognizes the true gift in helping to honor a life well lived. She considers herself very fortunate to work with such dedicated people who all share the same vision and goal, which is to provide impeccable care, respect, and diligence to each and every family that selects Butler Funeral Homes to honor the life of their loved one.
Jessica’s greatest passion in life is spending time with her family; boyfriend, Sean and dog, Easton. She is fond of the outdoors whether its fishing, hiking or cruising on her boat and enjoys rooting on the Chicago Blackhawks alongside her family.
Porcelain Dhooge is a first-generation funeral director from Ambridge, PA. She graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2011 with an Associates Degree and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2012. Porcelain joined the Butler Funeral Homes team after graduation and was honored to serve families in the Springfield and surrounding communities until 2016. After taking some time off to focus on her family, she rejoined the team in February 2020. Porcelain is a Licensed Funeral Director/Ceremony Specialist, Cremation Specialist, and a Certified Celebrant. She is grateful and honored to be caring for families again during the most difficult time of their lives. Porcelain enjoys spending time with her husband and their 3 children. She also enjoys cooking, working out and reading.
Kenzie Dowding was born in Sterling, IL and raised in Springfield, the daughter of Pete Dowding. She graduated from Springfield High School and then attended Carl Sandburg College earning her degree in Mortuary Science. Kenzie shares her home with her daughter and Golden Retriever. She is a member of Blessed Sacrament and the Ladies' Auxilllary-Military Order of the Purple Heart. Kenzie joined the Butler Family of Organizations in 2017 as a student intern and is now a Licensed Funeral Director and Cremation Specialist.
Judy Woerner was born in Evanston, IL and raised in Westmont, IL, the daughter of Richard and Dorla Ellis. She graduated from Downers Grove South High School and then attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. It was there that she would meet her husband Thornton. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1990, she and Thornton moved to Eugene, OR where she took classes towards a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management.
Before joining the staff at Butler as Certified Celebrant in 2011, Judy served in several positions with various not-for-profit organizations throughout Springfield and owned her own bath and body products company, which she ran out of her home.
Judy and her husband Thornton (who is also employed at Butler Funeral Homes) are parents to three grown children, Patrick, Rachel and Alison. Patrick and his wife, Alyssa, made her a grandma with the birth of Joel in November of 2019. Judy is an active member of South Side Christian Church. She loves staying active and is most proud of running a half marathon, although shorter distances are much more in her comfort zone. She is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Cheryl Garvin was born and raised in Springfield, IL; the daughter of Jerry and Mary Garvin. Cheryl is a graduate of St. Patrick’s Grade School and Sacred Heart Academy and as a member of the Blazer volleyball squad; Cheryl returned to St. Patrick’s as a volunteer volleyball coach and assisted the SHG Club teams.
Cheryl earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Accountancy from the University of Illinois in Springfield. She joined the staff of Butler Funeral Homes in June 2011 as Controller, after working several years in the accounting and funeral industry with Federated Funeral Directors. She is a member of Cathedral Parish, the IL CPA Society and AICPA; and volunteers for the American Cancer Society where she holds the position of Accounting Chair for the Sangamon County Relay for Life.
In her spare time, Cheryl is found with her family watching her nieces and nephews participate in their chosen extra-curricular activities and traveling to South Bend, IN to watch the Fighting Irish!
Mary C. Bonner
Telephone & Welcome Reception Specialist
Mary C. Bonner joined the staff of the Butler Family of Organizations in 2017 as Telephone & Welcome Reception Specialist at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home.
Mary was born in Springfield, IL, but has lived in numerous states, as well as France,when her father was in the military. She is a graduate of Palo Duro High School, Amarillo, TX. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia and her master’scertificate in Management of Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Illinois, Springfield in 1997.
Prior to retiring from full-time work, Mary served as Funds Development Associate for United Way of Central IL, Administrative & Support Services for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the IL Capital Region, Administrative Secretary for SIU School of Medicine, Office of External & Health Affairs, Executive Secretary for the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and various other administrative positions during her professional career.
Her service to the community includes being past president of the Springfield Muni Opera, Springfield Theatre Center and Mature Mob of the Senior Center. Mary had directed, staged managed, done lighting design, helped with set design and been prop master for all of these organizations. What Mary is most proud of, however, is the time she has spent supporting her parish, St. Joseph Church in Springfield, where she has served as chair of the Social Concerns Committee, a member of the teaching team of RICA, and as a Eucharistic and Hospitality Minister. She has also volunteered at Helping Hands, Kumler Outreach and the Springfield Warming Center.
Mary finally settled in Springfield in 2000 and in 2007 she was joined by her sister, Barbara, following the passing of their mother in Amarillo, TX. They now share a home together, along with Holly Halloween and Mr. Rochester, their two kitties.
Rita McCarthy
Telephone & Welcome Reception Specialist
Rita McCarthy was born and grew up in Springfield. She then moved to the New Berlin family farm when she got married, where she still lives. She is a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School, Sacred Heart Academy, Springfield College in Illinois, where she has her A.A. in Music Education and Illinois State University graduating with a degree in B.A. in Music and a B.S. in Liberal Arts. She also has many credit hours from U of I in Champaign, IL in Music Education and Lincoln Land Community College in Child Care Administration.
Rita had a career in Child Care as a teacher and owner, then as a teacher and director for 30 years before starting at Butler Funeral Home in 2015. She was a manager for Tupperware Home Parties for 10 years and taught elementary school music for 2 years. Rita still teaches private piano and is still the Music Director and accompanist at St. Mary’s Church in New Berlin where she is a member.
Rita’s four children are Melissa, deceased, Michael of New Berlin, IL, Melinda of Bismarck, ND, Megan of St. Charles, MO., one grandchild, Shane Scranton (wife Ashley) and 2 great grandchildren.
Her favorite activities are traveling, taking road trips around the USA and Europe with her daughter Melinda, gardening, creating and enjoying her Woodland Garden, reading, flower arranging and spending time with her children, family and friends.
Christina Tebrugge was born in Evansville, IN and moved to Springfield, IL after graduating from Waverly High School. She received an Associate’s degree from Lincoln Land Community College and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois—Springfield in History. Christina joined the staff of Butler Funeral Homes in 2009 as an Operations Administration Specialist. Before coming to Butler, Christina worked as an administrative assistant for 7 years at a local engineering firm. Christina spent 16 wonderful years married to Steven Tebrugge before he passed away in January, 2008 and has a daughter, Natalie. She enjoys spending time and playing with her daughter, reading, swimming and watching movies. Christina and Natalie also share our home with three cats, Vader, Anakin and Luminara and a dog, Clara.
Jessica (Boehler) Bliss was born in Springfield, IL and raised in Girard, IL. She is a 2001 graduate of Girard High School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from McKendree University in 2005. She then went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from McKendree University in 2007. Jessica joined the staff of Butler Funeral Homes in 2011 as an Operations Administrative Specialist. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeremy, has two daughters, Laken and Kynadee. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, going to the movies, shopping, and spending time with her family and all the children in her life, especially her daughters.
Rebecca Cowan
Operations Administration Specialist
Neal Hovasse
Advance Planning Specialist/Family Service Director
Neal Hovasse joined the Butler Family of Organizations as an Advance Planning Specialist in March 2019.
Neal was born and raised in Jacksonville, IL. He attended college at Lincoln Land Community College and Southern Illinois University.
Prior to joining the Butler organization Neal worked in the banking industry for sixteen years and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office for two years.
Neal and his wife; Teresa, live in Springfield, IL. They have two children that attend the Pleasant Plains school district.
In his spare time, his interests include barbecuing, family camping trips, and playing with his children, Jack and Gracie Mae.
Dan Parriott
Advance Planning Specialist
Dan was born in Lawrenceville, IL and raised in Decatur, IL. He served in the United States Navy for 8 years in Port Hueneme, CA and Pearl Harbor, HI and attended Hawaii Pacific University. Dan joined the financial service arena in 1993 as an insurance and investment producer with Citigroup. He was promoted to Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing and served in this position from 1994-2003. He has also held management positions with Charles Schwab and Chase Bank as a producer/manager.
Dan lived in Hawaii for 13 years where he met his wife, Ima. They have 3 children, son Drew and daughters Taylor and Morgan. They are active members at West Side Christian Church.
He enjoys golf and fishing, but most of all loves being a husband and father to his family.
Kelli Maple
Advance Planning & Continued Care Administrative Specialist
Kelli Maple was born in Springfield, Illinois the daughter of Robert and Kathy Maple. Kelli grew up in Rochester, Illinois where she graduated from Rochester High. She attended college at Lincoln Land Community College and Lincoln Christian University where she studied psychology and literature. Kelli has always been a bibliophile and avid reader – with a special love for the science-fiction/fantasy genre.
The pride and light of Kelli’s life is her ginger haired, neurodiverse (Autistic) son, Grady. He is also a Springfield native and attends Southeast Highschool. She also treasures her two senior dogs, a senior cat, and a new kitten. In her spare time, Kelli hikes and walks with her partner, Jon. She also enjoys swimming, Trivial Pursuit, monster movies, Batman, true-crime podcasts, K-pop and attending comic conventions as much as possible.
Kelli loves the City of Springfield and enhancing our community. She has been a mentor with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, sponsored a parent group for many years for parents of Autistic and neurodiverse children, and during her time as a Real Estate Agent she focused on finding housing for low-income families. She also has served for many years as the Director of Volunteers for Springfield’s largest “original” music festival spotlighting 100% local musicians and cuisine – The Downhome Music Festival.
Kelli joined Butler Funeral Homes in 2021 as an Advance Planning & Continued Care Administrative Specialist. She is honored to be part of the Butler Funeral Home’s family and proud to serve Springfield and the surrounding communities in this role.
Clada Williamson was born in Charleston, IL and was raised in Chatham, IL. She is a graduate of Chatham Glenwood High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a minor in Art from Eastern Illinois University. Clada joined the staff of Roselawn Memorial Park in January of 2010. She brings forth knowledge of both the funeral and cemetery industry having previously worked for the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), a not-for-profit membership organization of independent, family-owned funeral homes throughout North America and overseas. Clada provides administrative support for Roselawn Memorial Park as well as caring, compassionate customer service and sales support to all families she serves. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, working in her yard, traveling, art, attending church, and helping those less fortunate.
Mike Haldeman
Director of Cemetery Operations, Roselawn Memorial Park
Mike Haldeman was born in California and moved to St. Charles MO, where he graduated and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1978. Mike retired from the U.S. Army and shortly thereafter began his career in the Cemetery and Funeral Home business. He has held many positions including Market General Manager, Director of Operations, and Regional Manager, and worked as a supplier for Cemetery and Funeral Home supplies across the United States and Puerto Rico. Mike found a home at Roselawn Memorial Park in 2009, where he currently serves as the Director of Cemetery Operations. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Home Association. Mike has five children and four grandchildren which are his world and keep him very busy.
