Moevanu Buttel

Born on October 7, 1954 in Pago Pago, American Samoa, Vanu was the eldest child of Maopu Ti'a Auelua and Fauono Vaifale. As a child, her mother Maopu moved with her children to Laie, Hawaii.

Moevanu and her siblings were raised by a single mother who built a life centered around family, faith, and community.

Moevanu married John Buttel on August 22, 1970, and together they lived in Hau’ula and Laie, before settling down in Laie on Iosepa St. in 1983. Together they raised seven children. Vanu was a proud grandmother to 33 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her Nana.

Moevanu was the kind of person who brought people together. She was known for her delicious cooking, her kindness, her willingness to serve those around her, and her love of a good celebration. No party was complete until our dancing queen was on the dance floor, kicking things off with the Electric Slide. Her joy was contagious and she had a way of making people around her feel loved and at home.

Moevanu had a career with the airlines from 1984 - 2020 working for Aloha Airlines and Southwest Airlines, where she became a familiar and friendly face to so many people traveling through. Her love of flying also made it easier for her to do one of the things that mattered most to her - showing up for her family. She would hop on a flight to be there for birthdays, celebrations, milestones, and special events, always ready to support the people she loved.

Moevanu is survived by her husband, John, and their seven children - Angieline, Benjaline, Benjamin, John Jr., Dino, Victoria, and Antonio, her siblings Suau'u, Vaifale, Maselino, and Fialupe, along with 33 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Fa'alili, her grandson Cadon, and her daughter in-law Kristin. While our hearts are broken by her sudden passing, we find comfort in knowing that Moevanu was welcomed into a joyful reunion with those she loved who had gone before her.

Moevanu leaves behind a legacy summed up in the Samoan phrase "muamua aiga i mea uma" - family over everything. We will miss her deeply, but we are grateful for the life she lived and shared with us, the memories she created, and the example she left behind. We find comfort in knowing that this is not goodbye, but simply until we meet again.

A memorial service will be held on September 19, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse at 410 Valley Verde Dr., in Henderson, NV. There will be a public viewing from 11:15 - 12:20pm, followed by the funeral service at 12:30.