Maggie Jo Butterfield

Maggie Jo Butterfield was born on September 1, 1982, in Wichita, Kansas, to Don and Judy Harkin. She was a beloved sister to Don’s son Bryan, and the eldest of Don and Judy’s two daughters. Maggie shared a lifelong, extraordinary bond with her sister Katie—a connection that was as deep as it was enduring.

Judy later married Steve Stout, a man whom Maggie deeply respected and loved. Maggie gained two beloved step-siblings, Tabitha and Nick, and they made their home in Derby, Kansas. Maggie graduated from Derby High School in 2001.

Maggie joined a mission plant in Manhattan, KS to help build up the campus ministry and enrolled at Kansas State University. She spent one year with the K-State marching band as a color guard but cut this experience short because she wanted to put more energy into serving at her church. It was through one of these ministry events—co-hosted with the University of Kansas—that she met Arlee Butterfield. Arlee quickly became the love of her life, and the two were soon inseparable. Their shared faith deepened their relationship, and on June 4, 2005, Maggie and Arlee were married, beginning a life together built on love, faith, and purpose. Maggie graduated from Kansas State in 2006 with a degree in Education.

Just two months after getting married, Maggie and Arlee starting serving in full-time ministry across the globe—touching lives in Omaha, Nebraska, where their oldest daughter, Madelynne, was born; Austin, Texas, where their middle daughter, Maylee, was born; Tulsa, Oklahoma, where their youngest daughter, Abigail, was born; Dublin, Ireland; Springfield, Missouri; and most recently in Cincinnati, Ohio. Maggie had an infectious smile and a calming presence that often disarmed others. Her quiet strength, patience, and deep faith drew people to her—she had the rare ability to make most feel like her closest friend.

Besides being devoted to Christ and her husband Arlee, Maggie’s greatest joy in this life was being a mom to her three beautiful daughters. As a wife and mother, Maggie radiated love, grace, and joy. She nurtured her family with unwavering devotion and celebrated every milestone with pride and excitement. Adventurous and open-hearted, Maggie embraced life with a spirit of curiosity and kindness.

Even after her diagnosis with glioblastoma, Maggie faced each day with courage, grace, and dignity, inspiring everyone around her with her unwavering positive attitude and belief that the Lord is good. Maggie once said, “Everything changes—that’s the only thing that stays the same about life. Grateful for God always being the same.” Her faith and boundless love will continue to live on.

Maggie’s legacy will be carried on by her beloved husband Arlee and their three beautiful daughters, Madelynne, Maylee & Abigail; her parents Judy and Steve Stout of Mulvane, KS; her sister Katie (Joe) Gleichman of Ottawa, Ks; her brother Bryan (Jodi) Harkin of Topeka, KS; her brother Nick Stout (Deanna) of Portland, OR; her sister Tabitha Stout of Prairie Village, KS; and her many nieces and nephews who she loved so much.

Maggie was preceded in death by her dad Donald Harkin.

She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and joy—and will be deeply missed by her family and the hundreds who were lucky enough to call her a friend.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Butterfield family: @Arlee-Butterfield (Venmo)

To leave a special message for her family or to share a memory of Maggie, please visit the guestbook below.