Jane Griffith Butler Trapp passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. At age 95, Jane had lived a long life surrounded by the people and things that she loved. She was born on December 14, 1929, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Frederic B. Griffith and Mabel Jordan Toney. The youngest of three children, her life took a dramatic turn upon the death of her mother when she was only six years old. Due to her father’s position in Alton, Illinois with the railroad industry, he was unable to raise the children on his own. As a result, Jane and her two older siblings (Dorothy Ann and Fred B. “Buddy,” Jr.), were placed in the care of their Arkansas relatives. Soon afterwards, Jane’s aunt and uncle, Morgan and Earla Toney of El Dorado, took Jane into their home and raised her as their daughter.

After completing school in El Dorado, Jane attended Stephens College before transferring to the University of Arkansas. Over the years she shared many stories about her days on campus as a Chi Omega as well as being selected as Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. It was here that Jane met and married George E. “Gene” Butler of Osceola, Arkansas. Upon their marriage in 1949, they moved to Osceola and raised a family of six children. After their divorce in 1974, Jane decided to relocate back to Fayetteville. It was here that Jane was introduced to Dr. E. Philip “Phil” Trapp, a University professor. After a whirlwind courtship, Jane and Phil married, spending the next 45 years together at their home in Fayetteville.

Jane had a variety of interests throughout her life. For many years she enjoyed painting and needlework activities. She was known as a great collector of vintage objects, particularly her antique beaded bags. Her home was full of interesting artifacts that all had a story behind them. She took great pride in her landscaping, devoting many hours of her time into the cultivation and maintenance of her beautiful yard. Her children grew up with what became known as her magic touch. Jane had a special creativity which you could always count on to transform her home into a unique setting. Whether celebrating a football weekend, holidays or even a wedding, her flair for the “special touches” was renown throughout the family.

In addition, Jane was an ardent cat fancier, caring for so many of them over the years. She also enjoyed the flocks of birds that would visit her feeders. She was determined to keep them stocked with a premium seed in order to make sure they had a healthy diet. Up until her final days, their presence brought her a lot of joy.

Jane is survived by her six children, Toney (Barry) Schlesinger, George (Kathy Rice) Butler, Nick Butler, Chris Butler, Jane Ann Butler , Gina (Bruce) Barton who will miss her dearly, as will her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society of the Ozarks would be greatly appreciated.

Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.