Judith (Judie) Marie Butterfield died peacefully at Mercy House Hospice of Chambersburg on October 22, 2025. She was 85 years old. The daughter of Doris S. Voiselle Robinson and William S. Voiselle, Judie spent her childhood in her birthplace of Moultrie, Georgia, surrounded by loving grandparents and extended family. Upon graduation from high school, she attended the State University of NY at Oswego. During a summer job near Syracuse University, she met her future husband, John, and shortly thereafter, they began their life together as an Air Force family.
Judie always joked that her goal was to be the “perfect military wife and PTA mom”. Many who knew her would attest that she achieved that goal many times over. She enthusiastically embraced life as an Air Force officer’s wife for 30 years. She oversaw the 12 moves made by the family, some on her own because of John’s frequent and lengthy TDYs. Whether in Japan, France, or numerous bases across the US, Judie practiced the philosophy of “bloom where you are planted” and ensured that each family abode was warm and welcoming. As John advanced to command positions, she took very seriously her responsibilities to the units’ families during deployment and cheerfully kept the home fires burning during his two and one-half years in Vietnam.
She earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from Auburn University, which led her to become an avid and true fan of Auburn football and a “War Eagle fanatic!” She also earned a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Troy University.
After moving to Gettysburg to care for John’s elderly parents, her organizational and people skills were recognized by local officials, and she was quickly appointed to the Citizens’ Advisory Committee for the Adams County Prison, where she was instrumental in setting up a Lending Library for the inmates. Other appointments included the Adams County Prison Task Force, the York-Adams Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board, the National Park Service’s Summer Artists in Residence Committee, and the Gettysburg, Cumberland, and Straban Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. She enjoyed volunteering for local non-profit organizations, and served on the boards of directors of Habitat for Humanity, the YWCA, the Adams County Arts Council, and the Adams County Community Foundation.
Judie was elected to the Gettysburg Borough Council in 2019, representing the 3rd Ward, and faithfully served her constituents for six years. She designed and managed the official website of Gettysburg Borough from 2007 through 2017 and was instrumental in its redesign in 2015. Additionally, she authored the monthly recycling articles for the Gettysburg Times. She chaired the Borough Recycling Committee for 9 years, her efforts contributing to the Borough’s success in achieving and then maintaining compliance with Commonwealth recycling edicts. In January 2024, she was elected Council Vice President by her Council colleagues. Most recently, Judie took on the role of liaison between the Steinwehr Business Improvement District, the Adams County Transportation Planning Organization, and the Borough Council.
In 2021, having demonstrated the fundamental tenant of Rotary International of service above self, Judie was awarded the Dwight D. Eisenhower Humanitarian Award. Presented by the Rotary Club of Gettysburg, this award is given to a resident of Adams County who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to the local community and to the world community, in recognition of an individual’s outstanding humanitarian service and positive influence in the areas of public/civic service, peace, and world understanding.
Judie exuded kindness, grace, and good humor, and positively touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to meet her. She created memories beyond imagination.
Surviving her in addition to her husband, John, are daughter Kristin Butterfield Vickery and son-in-law Stuart Cleveland Vickery, as well as grandchildren Thomas Drumm Vickery and Catherine Aurelia Vickery, who were her pride and joy. Also surviving are sisters Lynda Robinson Snider, Mary Helen Robinson Godfrey, and Holly Robinson Simonini, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Judie will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery with her husband, John. Per Judie’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Forever Love Rescue of Gettysburg, Mercy House of Chambersburg, and the Adams County Arts Council. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.
What an amazing woman Judie was! I always called her the Recycling Maven and frequently consulted her about recycling issues, but she was so much more than that, contributing her leadership and organizational skills to many different organizations. No matter which side of the political aisle one was on, Judie was happy to work with you–partisan issues never came to the fore when a task was at hand. We will miss her insight and determination, rare qualities in our leaders these days.
A few years ago, I, my husband, and a friend of ours formed a committee to raise money to renew the skate park at the Gettysburg Rec Park. One of the first things we did after meeting with the Rec Park director at that time was attend local meetings for the Gettysburg Boro & Straban Township, to introduce ourselves and our mission. Completely unsolicited, Judie sent us a personal check to support our project. It was our first donation, and really meant a lot to us. Our work is not complete, but we will always be grateful for that early… Read more »
Judith was a community inspiration who tackled any project or concern that was put before her from recycling to borough business and beyond! Kindness was her mantra and she will be missed as we look to younger community members to pick up where she left off.
Always a smile; Always taking the time to talk; Making so many things happen. That’s how I remember you, Judie. We miss you. Chuck