Evelyne Mae Butler

Our mother, Evelyne Mae Butler, age 92, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully at Bridgeview Care Center attended by her son and daughter, July 4, 2017.

Mom was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska, February 24, 1925 to Anna (Badetcher) and Charles J. Mason. When Mom was nine years old, the family moved to the Magic Valley area in Idaho. Mom attended Kimberly schools and served as the senior class secretary and had the honor of digging a shovel of soil for what became the historic  L.A. Thomas Gymnasium.   She graduated in 1942.

Out riding bicycles with a friend one day by the Orin Butler ranch, Mom met her future love and husband, Dale Butler.  Dad would later comment that the best day of his life was that day he saw and started talking to that cute girl riding her bike.  They were married on her birthday February 24, 1943 in Twin Falls and were husband and wife for 60 years until Dad’s passing in 2003.  Two children were born: son Larry in 1944 and daughter Sharon in 1947.

Mom and Dad were widely respected farmers in the Kimberly area following Dad’s discharge from the army in 1946 until their retirement to Twin Falls in 1987.  Fiercely independent, Mom continued to live in their home after Dad’s passing.  It would be an understatement to say that Mom loved being in her own home.  She was fastidious to a fault in her daily household duties and was prompt to correct anyone (including her daughter!) who had a different approach to cleaning. 

Mom is survived by her son, Larry (Patricia) of Roland, Iowa , and her daughter, Sharon Larsen (Steve) of Longview, Washington.  In addition, she is survived by four grandchildren, Michael Carlson of Hansen, Idaho, Casey Larsen (Aimee) of Dallas, Texas, Gabriela Ortiz (Robert) of North Liberty, Iowa, Wendy Butler of Minneapolis, Minnesota and one grandchild, her beloved granddaughter (and namesake), Cecilia Evelyne Ortiz.

A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 13 at Sunset Memorial Park.  All who knew and loved our mother are cordially invited.  Final arrangements are under the care of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be  made in the name of Evelyne Butler to People for Pets - Magic Valley Humane Society, Inc. at 420 Victory Ave., Twin Falls and/or Twin Falls Senior Center - Meals on Wheels at 530 Shoshone St. S., Twin Falls.

We wish to thank Meals on Wheels for the faithful meal deliveries, visits and conversations and the staff of Bridgeview Care Center who attended our mother with such wonderful care during her final days.  We very much thank our mother’s neighbors and friends whose unstinting assistance and kindnesses allowed her to live in her own home until passing.

Mom enjoyed the following poem.  We hope it provides comfort and reassurance to all who knew and loved her.

Why I Believe

I know not how or why stars shine,

Or hang in empty space,

I only know they do, each one;

In its appointed place.

I know not how all time began,

Or how or where it was,

Or how a seed begins to sprout;

I only know it does.

I know not how the lily white,

Springs from the blackest clod;

I only know it does, and so

I know there is a God.

I know not how he heals our wounds

And hurts of every kind;

I only know the more I seek;

The more of God I find.

I know not why I am myself,

Or wish to do my best;

I only know I am God’s child,

To him I leave the rest.

          - Marie Lunita Guerry

God bless and keep our mother and God bless you all.

Sharon Larsen and Larry Butler