Patricia Gifford Butsch, 79, a retired Superior Court Judge in the Criminal Division, passed away April 8 in Fort Meyers Beach, Fla., from a massive hemorrhagic stroke.
Judge Gifford served on the bench for 30 years, retired in 2008, and then served as a Senior Judge. She received national recognition for presiding over boxer Mike Tyson’s 1992 rape trial, earning praise for maintaining order through extensive media coverage.
A 1960 graduate of the College of William and Mary, Judge Gifford began her career as an elementary school teacher in Washington Township and in U.S. Army Dependent Schools in Neubrucke, Germany.
Judge Gifford graduated from Indiana University School of Law in 1968 and became an Associate at the law firm of Runnels and Rademacher. She then accepted a position at the Office of Attorney General of Indiana in 1969 as Deputy Attorney General and later as Assistant Attorney General. In 1972 she became a Partner in the law firm of Moriarty & Gifford while also serving as Marion County Deputy Prosecutor in Municipal Court. In 1973 Judge Gifford became one of the first women in the United States appointed to prosecute only rape cases. From 1975 to 1978 she served as Referee for the Marion County Juvenile Court before running for Superior Court Judge in 1978. She took the bench on January 1, 1979.
Judge Gifford served as Presiding Judge and twice served as Associate Presiding Judge. She was a member of the Indianapolis and Indiana State Bar Associations and is listed in Who’s Who in American Women and Who’s Who in American Law.
Gifford served four terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the Board of Church Extension of the Disciples of Christ and served as Chairperson of the Board twice. She served as President of the Third Christian Church Board of Directors and was a member of the Board of Directors of Indianapolis Legal Aid Society, Christian Theological Seminary, and St. Richard’s School.
She was a member of Geist Christian Church; the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of DAR; Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity for women; and she was an active member of the Indianapolis Sailing Club.
Judge Gifford was the recipient of numerous awards including Sagamore of the Wabash, Distinguished Hoosier, Indianapolis Bar Association Silver Gavel Award, and Indianapolis Legal Aid Society Lifetime Achievement Award.
Judge Gifford was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie M. Gifford and George T. Gifford, and brother, George T. Gifford, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Robert A. Butsch; daughter, Jennifer Butsch Petit; son-in-law, Michael J. Petit; and three grandsons, Jack M. Petit, George T. Petit, and Samuel R. Petit.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 21, at Geist Christian Church at 10 a.m. with calling on Friday, April 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, from 9 to 9:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Indianapolis Legal Aid Society or to Disciples Church Extension Fund.
JANET COTTON says
I KNOW THAT YOU AS RELATIVES KNOW HOW GREAT PAT WAS, BUT FROM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER’S PERSPECTIVE, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT SHE WAS A GREAT DEPUTY PROSECUTOR WHEN SHE FIRST STARTED OUT. AS A JUDGE LATER. SHE WAS QUICK, BRIGHT, FAIR, KNOWLEDGEABLE, AND FRIENDLY. WHETHER I WON MY CASE OR NOT, I KNEW GOING IN THAT PAT GIFFORD WAS A GREAT LADY. SHE PROTRAYED THE PART, DRESSED ALWAYS AS A LADY. SHE WAS JUST A FINE HUMAN BEING AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF WHO AND WHAT SHE WAS. I WILL REMEMBER HER ALWAYS. JANET COTTON, RETIRED, IPD
Peggy Hollingsworth says
The Hollingsworth and Gifford families were neighbors on East Main Street in Russiaville for many years in the 1920’s-1950’s. Early in her teaching career, Patricia would accompany her parents, George “Tom” and Jessie, to the annual spring alumni banquet for Russiaville High School. It was evident, even then, that Pat was destined to become a community leader. Her calm, business-like approach to everything, both professional and personal, was to be admired. Through the years my parents, the late “Ike” and Helen (now 96 1/2 yrs.) Hollingsworth, and I were often able to visit with the extended Gifford family on various occasions. It was always a pleasure to hear stories told by our fathers about the family, church, school, and town values in rural Howard County that were the bedrock foundation for lives of service rendered in support of others through faith in God and country. Patricia embodied these values, as well, and we are all better citizens, thanks to her contributions.
Helen H. Williams says
Pat was a good friend at Athens High School. She, Nancy Eberhart and others would get together many evenings to chat about school, friends,etc. Her parents’ home was very near my parents’ home in Athens, and when I visited them, I often walked by there and remembered happy times. We always kept in touch. What a loss for those who knew her, who knew what a special person she was! With affection and condolences, Helen Huff Williams
Emilie Gilbert says
Bob: We just recently learned about Pat. I was concerned about you when I didn’t hear anything from Pat during Christmas. I went online to the Indy Star Website and noticed Pat’s obituary. Mom, Susan and I are shocked and saddened to hear this news about Pat. She was always such a very fine and classy lady. We respected Pat, dearly loved her and appreciated her friendship. Mom, Susan and I say hello and send our love to Jennifer and you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God’s peace be with you. Janet, Emilie & Susan Gilbert
Cliff Williams says
You ruined many lives. The world is a better place without you. All praises be to God.
Ryan Guidry says
Fuck that shriveled up old bitch.
When she presided over Mike Tyson’s trial back in 1992, she and that biased fucking excuse of a jury convicted and sentenced an innocent man for something that he didn’t do.
Desiree Washington falsely accused Tyson of raping her, because it’s a little known fact that she has done that to former boyfriends of hers.
I feel that they shouldcve been summoned to court during that trial to testify against that lying cuntwipe and to clear Mike Tyson’s name.
She effectively destroyed his reputation and took away 3 years of his life that he can never get back.
As far as I’m concerned, Desiree Washington deserves some jail time herself and she should be mandated to pay Mike Tyson restitution for time spent incarcerated.
As for Patricia Gifford, I sincerely hope that she’s screaming in agony while burning in hell.