1926-2021
Jean always felt that when end of life approached for her, she would choose to get on her horse and ride into the sunset. She took that final ride on March 20, 2021 at the age of 94.
Jean was born in Fairfield, Iowa and was raised in many small Iowa towns by her parents Fred E. Butler and Sarah (Curtis) Butler.
Small town schools provided Jean with opportunities to be involved with band, choir, sports, journalism, cheerleading and student government.
She graduated from Winfield High School in 1944 and headed for the big city of Chicago, Illinois to attend the Chicago academy of fine arts. It was there she met and married her husband of 47 years Martin E. Garrity.
Some years after her arts education Jean discovered a talent for painting with water colors. She left a collection of paintings, her family will enjoy for years to come.
Jean and Marty moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and then to Fair Oaks California with their two children.
Jean joined the first Baptist Church of Fair Oaks, and was an active member for 55 years teaching Sunday school and singing in the church choir.
Jean was an avid bowler in her early years, and later developed a love for golf. She enjoyed all forms of spectacular sports, and was a Sacramento Kings fan until she moved from Fair Oaks to settle near her family in Washington. On her 40th birthday Marty gave her the gift of a pregnant mare. It had always been her dream to own horses, and she was able to live that dream for over 40 years. She helped form the Fair Oaks Horse Club and became a strong advocate for the preservation of the American River Parkway. Jean is survived by her children Sharon (Dennis), Kevin (Rebecca); grandchildren Peter (Nadia), Alyssa (Drew), Joseph (Alissa), Kevin, Samantha and Tyler, and great granddaughter Mavis Jean.
Jean was devoted to her family, friends, church and animal friends, and she will be missed greatly by them all.
Her family is grateful for the care she received at Cascade Inn, Garden View Care, and with Peacehealth Hospice.
Due to Covid-19 plans for a memorial service will be decided at a later date.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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