Carol Jean Butherus

Carol Jean (Hensevelt) Butherus, 77, longtime resident of Naperville, IL passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at her residence in Leawood, KS with her loving husband.

Born on October 18, 1948, in North Kansas City, Missouri, Carol was the daughter of James Alvin and Betty Lou (Robertson) Hensevelt. She grew up in Lexington, Missouri, and graduated from Lexington High School in 1966. She was united in marriage to Ted Butherus on June 28, 1969. Together they shared a wonderful journey that took them across the country—living in Columbia, Missouri; Fort Riley, Kansas; Victoria, Texas; Martinsville, Virginia; and Wilmington, Delaware—before ultimately making their home in Naperville, Illinois, where Carol lived the majority of her life.

Carol worked for many years as a radiology technician, a role she truly loved. She approached her work with kindness, precision, and pride. Outside of her profession, Carol enjoyed playing bridge, sewing cross‑stitch, and watching Christian movies and documentaries. She had a deep passion for writing poetry, which became her cherished creative outlet. Her writing allowed her to reflect on her experiences and express her heart and mind with honesty and grace.

Above all, Carol was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a fierce advocate for her loved ones and a constant source of encouragement, strength, and love. Her family was her greatest joy, and she delighted in sending thoughtful gifts and handwritten cards that carried her warmth in every word. Carol is survived by her loving husband, Ted; her children, Bradford (Laura) Butherus of Bear, DE, and Beau (Angela) Butherus of Kansas City, MO; her grandchildren, Braden and Bennett Butherus; her brother, Steven (Candace Mulcahy) Hensevelt of Lee’s Summit, MO; her nieces, Allison and Andrea; and numerous relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Two Celebrations of Life will be held in Carol’s honor. The first will take place from 1 - 4 PM as an open house on April 4, 2026, at Carol and Ted’s home in Naperville, Illinois. The second will be held at 1:00 PM on April 18, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Lexington, Missouri, the church Carol attended in her youth. Following the service and gathering, Carol will be laid to rest at Lexington Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker‑Nadler‑Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St., Lexington, MO, 64067, 660‑259‑2245.