Linda Kay Butzow (McCamy) died peacefully surrounded by family on April 29, 2026.
She was the beloved mother of Martha McCamy, Faye McCamy; dearest grandmother of Mac Staples (Sophia Caruccio), Zack McCamy-Staples; joyful “mother-out-law” of Chris Staples; darling sister of Drew Butzow; dear aunt of Angie (Butzow) Albers (Todd Albers), Mark Butzow (Traci Cokely). She is preceded in death by her parents C. Gleason and Eleanor (Phillips) Butzow; partner in the important things Colin McCamy; sister-in-law Kathy (Garman) Butzow; and son-in-law Roan Kaufman. She will be missed by her many friends, including those young people who found in her the sort of maternal unconditional love and acceptance everyone deserves.
Linda was born in 1942 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, grew up in St. Joseph, Illinois and ultimately made Spring Green and Madison, Wisconsin home. She completed studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Dental Hygiene and worked as a hygienist in Madison and Mineral Point. But Linda found her true professional stride as an entrepreneur—at a time when mothers were not single and women were not found in board rooms and town halls, she founded Rosy’s Rubbish Removal, the first rural garbage pick up service in the River Valley area. Linda was as capable at presenting to boards, as she was at driving the thirteen speed garbage truck with a red rose emblazoned on the packer. After selling to a larger waste management company, Linda helped run the office for party planning business It’s Your Party, before eventually becoming a successful realtor for Stark, Keller-Williams and then Restaino.
Anyone who spent time with “Mamalinda” knew her life wasn’t all about work. Her love for traditional folk music was born in Carbondale and nourished in Madison among those who gathered at Glenn ’n’ Ann’s Cozy Inn. She went on to sing in “Jake’s Band” that frequently played the Walker House in Mineral Point. She prioritized traveling as well as sharing coffee and her unforgettable laugh with family and friends. Linda took great delight in spending time with her niece and nephews in her hometown, especially during harvest season. She supported and nurtured the curiosity and humor of her grandchildren, and was unwavering in her always-there love and support of her “girls”.
Linda always led with heartfelt expression in song and conversation. Her timing in reaching out with encouraging words was impeccable. Her patient listening and deep empathy were unmeasurable. Near the end of her life, she reflected on being five years old and seeing a picture of Jesus with children on his lap. What she remembered most clearly was that the children were all different colors—a testament to her enduring belief in the importance of love and belonging. Linda’s passion for beauty and kindness will reverberate in the lives of her family and friends.
Linda will be buried at a small private burial at the Old Helena Cemetery. A memorial gathering will be held at SlowPoke on Jefferson St in Spring Green on Monday, May 4 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. At the request of Linda, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Community Food Pantry of Spring Green.
https://www.staffordfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Linda-Kay-Butzow?obId=48274248&sfnsn=mo
