Eldena E. (Kent) Butler, 85, of Warren, passed away peacefully at the Elizabeth Nursing Home, following a short illness, on Friday, May 26, 2017. Eldena was born in Stockton Township on the family farm on May 22, 1932 to Raymond and Bertha (Bower) Kent. She married the love of her life, Francis On November 8, 1952 at the Warren Methodist parsonage.

Eldena performed secretarial duties to many establishments throughout her years. They include WFRL-Freeport, H&H Chemicals and L&S and Feed mill-Warren, Tyler Pipe-Tyler, TX, and Pan European Publishing-Des Plaines, IL. She finished her working career touching the lives of children and sharing her love of books as the Children's librarian at the Warren Township Public Library. Eldena and Francis had a love of traveling and would pack the car and kids for numerous out of state trips. She continued their tradition with her sister-in-laws, grandchildren and friends. Eldena loved to share her love of cooking, baking and canning with her grandchildren. She kept busy helping and taking part in various organizations. These include the Literacy Program and GED Program for Highland Community College, member of the Warren Chamber of Commerce and Warren Township Supervisor. She was honored to have received the Warren Citizen of the Year and took pride as the caretaker of the Warren Community Building for many years. A history lover, she preserved the Warren history at the library by typing old newspaper articles for other generations to enjoy. Eldena helped in the starting of the Warren Food Pantry and the Community Thanksgiving meal. She was a former member of the American Legion Auxillary and a member of the Warren United Methodist Church. She was an avid sports fan of the Chicago Cubs and Dallas Cowboys.

She is survived by her four daughters, Barbara of New York, NY, Linda (Don) Rummel of Dexter, IA, Sandy (Wayne) Schleich of Emery, SD and Deb (Jay) Spinhirne of Warren, IL. Grandchildren Jeff, Jeremy (Tammy) Rummel and Kristen (Mike) Renslow, Iowa, Jenny (Tim) Carter, Jacob, Jessica and Julia Spinhirne of Warren, Austin (Amanda) and Dana Schleich of South Dakota. 12 great grandchildren, sister in laws, Pat Kent of Winslow, Eileen White of East Dubuque and Eileen Delker of Apple River, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband (1973), brothers Eldon Kent and Marion (Mike) White and infant great-granddaughter Gracyn Rummel.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday June 1, 2017 at the Warren United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday May 31, 2017 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home.

Pastor Roger Bronkema will officiate.

Burial will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established in her name..

The family would like to thank Elizabeth Nursing Home, FHN Hospice and Dr. McFadden and staff.