Helen Lapriel Butler

Helen Lapriel (Reader) Butler, age 98, passed away Saturday, June 24th, 2023 in Red Bluff, CA. She was born August 23rd, 1924 in Grass Valley, CA, the youngest of nine children born to Frank and Sarah (Nugent) Reader. She grew up a country girl on Shady Creek Ranch where her ancestors had lived for generations. Helen graduated from Nevada Union High School in 1942 – the WWII years. She went to work at Mather Field in Sacramento, CA as an aircraft mechanic and later transferred to the Douglas, AZ Army Airfield. When the war ended, she returned to Sacramento and worked for the McKesson company as a hearing aid fitter. Helen loved to dance the popular dances of the late 1940s and early 1950s and met her future husband, Adrian Butler, there. They were married October 28th, 1952 in San Antonio, TX. She became a full-time homemaker and traveled the country as a US Air Force wife, raising three daughters along the way. Helen and Adrian were avid golfers and long-time members of Wilcox Oaks Golf club. Helen also enjoyed bowling and was a member of many leagues at Lariat Bowl. Other interests included playing cards and Yahtzee, and traveling. She and Adrian were members of Sacred Heart Parish and volunteered for Adoration. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adrian, in 2007, which was deeply sorrowful and affected all the remaining years of her life.

Helen is survived by her three daughters, Shannon (Wayne), Mary, Patricia (Brad) and step-daughter Cheryl (John). Also surviving are grandchildren Sarah, Craig (Casandra), Sierra (Angela), Lynne (Tyler), April, Michaelyn, and Danika (Billy), plus step-grandchildren Shawn, Katie, and Cody. Surviving great-grandchildren include Adrienne, Brooke, Sydney, Coral, Alexiz, Nathaniel, Kess, Vienna, Reiden, Sawyer, Harper and Isabella. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following non-profit charities, in her name.

Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306

Sierra Pacific Furbabies, 190 Barscape Ln. Eureka, CA 95503