Obituary
view guestbook | sign guestbook

Phyllis Jean Butcher Hartzler 

Date of Death: January 29, 2025

Date of Birth: August 12, 1933

Biography:

Phyllis Jean Butcher Hartzler passed quietly in her sleep on January 29, 2025 in Topsham, Maine.  She was 91. 

Phyllis was born on August 12, 1933 in Hinsdale, Illinois.  She is survived by her daughters Ann Hartzler (Steven Bunn), Jill Hartzler Warner (Nolan Hale), daughter-in-law Yongjiao Hartzler, and grandchildren Andrew Bunn, Alex Bunn, Evan Brooks Warner, Dane Simpson Warner, Griffin Phillips Warner, Daniel Hartzler, and Kaylee Hartzler.  She is predeceased by her husband Harris Dale Hartzler and son Paul Harris Hartzler, and by her siblings Doris Butcher Patterson, Dan Butcher, and Bob Butcher.

A memorial service will be held April 5 at 2:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick.  In lieu of flowers please donate in her name to Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program https://www.mchpp.org/donate.

The youngest of four children, Phyllis grew up in the suburbs of Chicago.  She met her husband, Harris, when they were students at the University of Chicago.  Harris’ career as a research chemist brought them to Wilmington, Delaware, where they welcomed three children to the family: Ann, Jill and Paul. 

Phyllis was a lifelong learner with interests that included singing in the church choir, attending Senior College courses, studying A Course in Miracles, writing poetry and—her great passion and talent—creating art.  She loved being immersed in nature and moved from the Wilmington, Delaware area to Maine after raising her family, where the angle of the northern light and reflections from water views inspired her paintings.

An accomplished artist, she attended the University of Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago where she earned a B.A. in Humanities.  Her post graduate teachers included notable artists Tom Bostelle and Henry Peacock.  Phyllis went on to teach watercolor and drawing to her own students at several venues in the Delaware valley. Her own body of work reveals her curiosity for experimentation, and includes landscapes, abstract images, and portraits using various media.  Phyllis participated in numerous exhibits and juried shows throughout her life and received many awards for her paintings.  She was a member of the Council of Delaware Artists for over 25 years, serving as its vice president from 1983 to 1986.  Phyllis was also a long-time member of the Studio Group of Wilmington, Delaware, and served as president from 1990 to 1992.  Other memberships included the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, the Philadelphia Watercolor Society, and the Delaware Foundation for Visual Arts, among others.  Phyllis’ works are among the collections of several Delaware and Pennsylvania area institutions and private collections.

 Phyllis was a spiritual seeker who found connection between creating art and the experience of a loving Source.  She was a lifelong member of the Unitarian Universalist Church – in Wilmington, Delaware and Brunswick, Maine.