Milton Henry Dillabough

Our beloved Butch Dillabough, passed away at his home in Tucson, AZ on June 3, 2025. Born and raised in Crookston, Minnesota, Butch was a small-town kid with big dreams—dreams that led him to serve proudly in the U.S. Navy from June 13, 1957, to September 15, 1960.

Fresh out of the service, he married his soulmate Marylou on September 24, 1960, and together they spent 64 wonderful years side by side. Butch was often found tinkering with home improvement projects and fixing forgotten treasures. Summers brought fishing and lake living in Minnesota; winters meant sunshine and saguaro cactuses in Arizona—just the way he and Marylou (and their many dogs) liked it.

By day, Butch spent 30 years building connections (and laying phone lines) at Northwestern Bell Telephone. Then, when he was ready to be his own boss, he and Marylou opened their thrift store, “Marylou’s Trading Post”—turning secondhand finds into treasures for the community for over two decades. He loved every minute of running that shop, especially when it meant working alongside with the love of his life.

He is reunited with his cherished Marylou; daughters Carrie Ann Ahles and Nancy Christine Sinclair; and grandson Christopher Sinclair. Sister in-law, Cleo Dillabough. His parents Clara Lila and Harry Arlo Dillabough.

He leaves behind his three kids (and their spouses) and Son in-law, who keeps his spirit alive every day: Mary Kay & Bernie Sauer in Minnesota, Cathy & Richie Dohoney in Arizona, Harry & Chelle Dillabough in Colorado, Rob Ahles in Minnesota. Thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren—and another three on the way this summer and fall—will carry forward his legacy of laughter, love of adventure, and kindness.

He’s also survived by his siblings (and sister-in-law): Paul Dillabough (Arizona), Danny & Marilyn Dillabough (Minnesota), Susan & Dennis Thompson (Colorado), Charle & Delilah Dillabough (Minnesota), Teresa Aable (South Carolina), plus a handful of nieces and nephews who each got a front-row seat to Butch’s endless jokes and advice.

We’ll miss his gentle presence and generous spirit. Butch lived long, loved fiercely, and never met a stranger.

Funeral for Butch Dillabough will be held on: Friday June 20th, 2025 at 11:00am. East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Rd.,Tucson, AZ. 85712, Ph.# 520-885-6741