Millie "Mimi" Butler

Millie “Mimi” Butler, a beautiful Jack Russell Terrier/ Beagle mix, (Jack a Bee) crossed the Rainbow Bridge at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, just 101 days short of her 17th birthday. When she was a pup, Dr. Frank Coble would regularly predict that Millie would live to be 17 years old. Millie was born in Springfield in 2009. She was almost overlooked in her litter and she experienced health issues from exposure to cold conditions as a result. She came under the care of Animal Protective League, where she was fostered until she became a valued member of the Butler family. Initially diagnosed as being blind, it was discovered that she could see very well but was unable to hear. Thunderstorms and fireworks never bothered her, but she usually knew when her family came home simply by feeling their footsteps and presence. Through training, Millie learned her own version of sign language and thrived in her life. She loved playing long throw frisbee, occasionally catching it on the fly, but always retrieving it and delivering it back for the next toss. She was very fond of her first “sister” Turney (a German shepherd mix) and loved to run around the yard with her or sit alongside her wherever they were. Millie welcomed Pearl when she joined the family, and later Charlie Brown & Lucy. Millie loved laying in the sun, sitting by the fireplace, and snuggling on or under a warm blanket. Like her “siblings” Turney and Pearl, Millie was an office dog and loved going to work every day with her dad, running up the stairs and down the hallway to the office upon arrival, and then patiently waiting for the end of the day for the drive home and evening walk. Millie was preceded in death by her canine sisters, Pippen, Turney, and Pearl. She is survived by her human family: dad, Chris Butler; mom, Val Butler; and sisters, Camilla and Audra Butler, who had the privilege of growing up alongside her. Millie also leaves behind her canine sister Lucy, and her canine brother Charlie Brown (Charlie). The amount of joy Millie brought to her family (and everyone who knew her) can never be measured and will forever be remembered. Millie will be laid to rest alongside Turney, Pearl, and Pippen at Roselawn Pet Cemetery.