Jessie Lee Carolyn "Jane" Butcher

Jessie Lee Carolyn “Jane” Butcher, 99, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023 at Iowa Masonic Nursing Home in Bettendorf, IA where she was a resident in good care since 2015. “Jane” was born in Letts, IA, March 20, 1924, to Benjamin Harrison and Mabel Wagner Westbrook. As one of eight siblings growing up on the Westbrook farm, she attended Iowa Teacher’s College and was a beloved teacher in Muscatine. She married Jack Butcher (Barlow) in 1944. The family moved to the Quad Cities in 1950 where she continued to teach in elementary schools, including Forest Grove Schoolhouse No. 5 from 1956-57. She owned the LeClaire Maid-Rite from 1957-1960.

Jane’s family and friends meant the world to her. Everyone who had the pleasure of enjoying her meals and baked goods pleaded for her secret recipes. Artistically creative, her talents in culinary delights were praised for great taste, special designs and presentation. She was the manager of Jumer’s Castle Lodge Bakery for several years and famous for her cinnamon rolls and fine desserts. She opened Grandma’s Gingerbread House on Kimberly Road, Davenport, and was the driving force in getting the former Slices & Scoops opened in Bettendorf. Jane was a beloved hardworking mother, grandmother, and teacher who also enjoyed having jewelry and home décor parties until retiring and moving to Luther Manor, Bettendorf.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Sherry and son-in-law Joseph McGuigan of FL; grandsons J. L. Westbrook of CA, Shay Humphrey of SC and Wyatt Butcher of AZ; granddaughter Sasha Tyson of FL; daughter-in-law Sarah Butcher of LA, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Jeanetta Westbrook Berkley; brothers Benjamin, Jr.; Frederick; Hartley “Hap”; Robert “Bob”; Donald “Doc”; and Richard “Dick” Westbrook; daughter Shane Humphrey D.C. of Bettendorf; and son Kelly Doc Butcher of LA.
Arrangements are pending at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf. Burial will be in the family cemetery in Grandview, IA. Memorials may be made to Iowa Masonic Health Facilities, Bettendorf, or FC Compassus LLC Davenport Hospice Care. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting her obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.