Marjorie Butler Paullin

Marjorie Butler Paullin, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. She was born on October 5, 1929 in Portland, Indiana to Carl and Dorothy Helen North.  She began studying piano at a young age, and for the rest of her life rarely a day would pass without her practicing and playing for enjoyment.

Marjorie graduated from Portland High School in 1946, and graduated from Jordan College of Music (Butler University) in 1950.  After graduation she accepted a job teaching music in the Mississinewa School system and met her future husband, Bob Butler, when she was sent to the Butler Music Store to purchase a piano.  She married Bob in 1952 and for the next several years was kept busy raising a large family and serving as a den leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and troop leader in Brownies and Girl Scouts.  She also became active in local church and music organizations.

When Bob died suddenly in 1966 she became president and manager of the music store.  She was a shrewd and admired business woman and successfully ran the company.  In 1978 she was invited to be the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors for the Wurlitzer Company, where she served until selling the music store in 1984.

Marjorie married Herman King in 1971.  Unfortunately, he passed away after only a few months.  In 1980 she married James Paullin and they had an active and happy marriage until his death in 2004.

In her later years Marjorie volunteered as a CASA advocate for children in the court system, and also volunteered as a literacy tutor teaching adult to read.

Marjorie was a long-time member of Chapter BT P.E.O., Lyric Club, Conversation Club, Tri Kappa, and Sigma Alpha lota music fraternity.  She was an active member of Temple Congregational Church where she often played the piano and accompanied the choir.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bob North, as well as husbands, John Robert Butler, Herman King and James Paullin, and children, Sarah (Sally) Herd, William (Bill) Butler, and John (Jack) Butler.  She is survived by sons, Robert “Bob” Butler (Nancy) of Indianapolis, and David Butler of Hinsdale, NH; and daughters, Mary Kirby (Mike) of Marion, Leslie Lydick (Dennis) of Nokesville, VA and daughter-in-law, Martha Butler of Linton, Indiana.  Other survivors include step-children, Robert King, Terry King, Richard Paullin (Margaret), and Mark Paullin (Cathy); 8 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are entrusted to Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.

Private burial will take place in Estates of Serenity Cemetery in Marion.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Temple Congregational Church, 1006 N. Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana with Pastor Jeff Jahn officiating. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Temple Congregational Church.

Online condolences and memories for the family can be shared online at www.ravenchoate.com

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