Leona Pauline Butler

Leona Pauline (“Peggy”) Wilhelm Butler, age 92, formerly of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, passed away on February 13, 2023, at Columbine West Health & Rehab in Fort Collins. She was in Stage 4 Alzheimer’s.

She was born October 29, 1930, in Fornfelt (now Scott City), Missouri, daughter of Leona Pauline and John Barney Wilhelm. She graduated from Illmo-Scott City High School in 1948. She and Donald Keith Butler were married July 31, 1948, in Fornfelt by Reverend A. J. Pepsel, pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Donald preceded her in death in 2001.

Peggy and Donald lived in Kansas City for 11 years where she was employed by Scott Stores for seven years as a window trimmer. She was employed by Metro News Bookstore in Cape Girardeau for 13 years, and she volunteered at the FISH Food Pantry in Cape Girardeau for 20 years. She lived in Cape 54 years followed by living in Fort Collins 10 years. She was a long-time member of St. Vincent DePaul Parish in Cape Girardeau, and attended Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins.

She loved collecting antiques including McCoy, Hull, Milk Glass, Van Briggle and glassware. She enjoyed watching game shows and playing Rummy. She loved being outdoors. She was able to spend lots of time with relatives who lived in the area.

Survivors include twin daughters, Patricia Ann Eck (John) of Cape Girardeau; Peggy Lee Johnson (Roy) of Fort Collins, CO; son, Dr. Robert Keith Butler of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren, Madison Renee Johnson of Fort Collins; Amber Christine Johnson of Fort Collins; Austin Keith Butler of Austin, Texas; Reagan Olivia Butler of Manhattan, Kansas; one sister-in-law, Laverne Wilhelm; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers, six sisters, two sisters-in-law, and four brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank Collinwood Assisted Living, Columbine West Health & Rehab and Hospice (Pathways of Northern Colorado) for the excellent care they provided to Mom.

Cremation took place in Fort Collins at Allnutt Funeral Home. Services will be at Ford & Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau on Wednesday, March 29. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11, with Deacon Mark Kiblinger officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice in Fort Collins or to the charity of your choice.