UNION — Joan Orne Butler, 80, wife of Wayne Butler, died unexpectedly April 20, 2013, at her home with her family at her side.

Born in Thomaston Feb. 13, 1933, she was the daughter of Alfred and Bertha Carter Orne. She was educated in Cushing schools.

On Oct. 3, 1959, she married Wayne Butler in Rockland. Together they made their home in Appleton for more than 30 years before moving to Mr. Butler's family farm in Union, where they resided for more than 20 years.

Over the years Joan has been active in many community organizations. She was a member of Union Senior Citizens and East Union Grange.

She was an accomplished crafter, and she loved to knit and crochet, often making afghans and quilts for her family and friends.

Joan was predeceased by her parents; an infant son; two sisters, Edith Johnson and Mary Orne; and three brothers, Ralph, Sidney and Howard Orne. She is survived by her husband; her daughter, Melinda Thomas and her husband, William Thomas, of Hope; two granddaughters, Cassie Thomas and her fiancé, Benjamin Ledger, of Union, and Kristan Thomas of Hope; one great-grandson, Keegan Dodge of Hope; a brother, Kenneth Orne and his wife, Mildred, of Union; and four sisters, Bernice Bennett of Rockland, Eleanor Rose of Thomaston, Gloria Dearborn of Union and Leona Mixon of Georgia. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 29, at 3 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.

To share a memory or condolence with Mrs. Butler's family, visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.