SPARTA – Ula Jean "Butch" Austin, 95, of Sparta, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Coulterville Care Center, Coulterville, IL.

Ula Jean was born in Red Bud, IL, on September 9, 1927, the daughter of Walter and Bertha (Douglas) Becker.  She married Kenneth L. Austin on December 30, 1950, in Evansville, IL. He preceded her in death in October 1980. Ula Jean was a retired bank teller at Sparta State Bank, Sparta, IL. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sparta, IL, Beta Alum of Delta Theta Tau Sorority, former member of Sparta Hospital Auxiliary, Women's Association, and the City Museum Board. Ula Jean was an avid bridge and Pinochle player, and a devoted St. Louis Cardinal fan. She loved to travel when she was younger and to spend time with her granddaughters and great grandsons.

Surviving is her granddaughters: Julia (Michael) Hayes of Sparta, IL, Danielle O'Neal (Ray Larkey) of Sterling, IL; her great grandsons: Zachary Austin Hayes, Austin Ray Larkey; and her nephew, Terry (Dawn) Douglas of Lake St. Louis, MO.

Ula Jean is also preceded in death by her parents, one son, Charles, one daughter, Donna, and two sisters and one brother.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 13, 2023, from 11:00 to 1:00 pm, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sparta, IL.

Funeral services will also be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sparta, IL, with Rev. Bonnie Wilkins officiating. Burial will follow at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL.  Memorials may be given to the Delta Theta Tau Sorority, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL, 62288.