Earlene Joann “Butch” Pavlich (née Hovey), 85, of Vermilion, left this world on March 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and community service. While her passing was sudden, the impact she made during her lifetime will be felt for generations.
Born on October 1, 1939, in Elyria, OH, Earlene found her forever home in Vermilion, where she spent 68 wonderful years. She embraced her community with open arms, dedicating her time to service, family, and faith. A devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church, she shared her kindness as a Eucharistic minister and extended her compassion to those in nursing homes. Her generosity knew no bounds, whether she was serving as a poll worker for the Board of Elections, guiding young minds as a Girl Scout leader and teacher’s aide, or volunteering at Grace’s Kitchen.
Her creativity and warmth shined through in her many hobbies—reading, tole painting, quilting, sewing, and cross-stitching. Each stitch and brushstroke was a testament to her patience, love, and the joy she found in creating something beautiful for others.
Above all, Butch’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to Tracie (Jay) McBride of Sheffield Village, Bruce (Shelly) Pavlich of McClure, OH, and Brent (Bird Falbo) Pavlich of Amherst. Her love extended to her 13 cherished grandchildren—Justin (Rachel), Blake, Brett, Matthew, Christopher, Makenzie, Samuel, Sean (Heather), Dan, Andrew (Britney), Anne (Sam), Sam (Amanda), and Tyler (Elena)—and her four great-grandchildren: C.J., Addelynne, Beckham, Gwenyth, and Luca. She also leaves behind her loving brothers, Ralph Hovey of Fountain, CO, and Neal Hovey of Biscuit City, RI.
Though she is reunited with her beloved husband, Peter S. Pavlich, Jr., her daughter, Andrea Kay Pavlich, and her parents, Earl and Josephine Hovey, the love she shared continues to live on in those who knew her. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her giving heart, and the countless lives she touched.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Earlene’s life on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with interment to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Friendship Animal Protective League of Lorain County, Inc., 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035, to honor Earlene’s love for animals.
Her kindness, laughter, and selflessness will be dearly missed, but the love she poured into this world will continue to shine through the lives she touched.
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