Deb Buttrey

Funeral services for Deb Buttrey, 69, of Knoxville, will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at
11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Family will receive friends
on Thursday, May 28th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Marion County Friends of 4-H Foundation.
Debra Kay Bishop was born in Knoxville, Iowa on September 22, 1956, to Mary Darlene
(Allen) and Phillip Eugene Bishop. Soon after she was born, she welcomed home a little
brother, Kevin. Debbie grew up going to Pleasantville School District and later
graduated from Knoxville High School. She stayed very involved in school and enjoyed
extracurricular activities.
From a young age, Debbie loved the outdoors. From a young age, and even up to her
final days, she enjoyed showing Jersey cows through 4-H, fishing along the Des Moines
River, and spending time with horses. Fishing remained one of her greatest joys
throughout life, especially when it meant sharing those moments with her children and
grandchildren. She also found peace in watching birds from her deck, especially the
wrens, she loved listening to them sing for their mates and fighting over the best bird
houses.
In 1976, Debbie met the love of her life, William “Bill” Buttrey, and the two were married
on June 20, 1981. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family, raising
their children Dasha, Bobbi Kay, and Ian, while later cherishing her role as “Mana” to
her beloved grandchildren. Being a mother and grandmother was truly Debbie’s
greatest purpose in life.
Both before and after her marriage, Debbie had various types of jobs; the overall
factory, nursing home aide, food service, and retail. It was when Debbie became “Mana”
that she found her calling. Her favorite activity was rocking and cuddling babies, both
children and grandchildren. Whether they were sick, tired, or just needed cuddles, Mana
was always there for them. In later years when things were hard, they in turn were there
for Mana.
There was a special gift Debbie had for making people feel loved and cared for.
Holidays at Mana’s house were unforgettable, filled with decorations, traditions, and
meals lovingly prepared for family gatherings. She shared her love of animals, the
outdoors, and family traditions with each generation, creating memories that will
continue for years to come.
Mana’s holiday meals were legendary. Preparation took days and every family member
had a favorite dish. In recent years Mana's health made cooking difficult for her, so
Mana started training the girls in her special holiday recipes. Mana’s holiday meals will
continue in the family for generations to come.
Over the last several years, Debbie faced difficult health challenges with remarkable
courage and strength. Through it all, she remained focused on the people she loved
most. Her family surrounded her with the same care and comfort she had spent a
lifetime giving to them.
She is preceded by her parents, Darlene and Phillip Bishop; paternal grandparents,
Myrle and Donald Bishop; maternal grandparents, Ruby and Sam Allen.
Mana is survived by her husband, William M. Buttrey; children: Dasha A. (Michael
Maciel) Buttrey, Bobbi (Dusty) Sedlock, and Ian W. (Beth) Buttrey; grandchildren: Logan
W. Buttrey, Arya K. Sedlock, Blayne W. Buttrey, Brayker S. Sedlock, and Haisley J.
Buttrey; brother, Kevin Bishop; and nieces and nephews: Valerie Stone, Erika Rus, and
Andrew Bishop; along with many relatives and friends.