Butler, Martha Lucille (age 101) passed away July 15, 2018 in Spokane, WA. She was born and raised on a wheat ranch north of Prescott, WA. She attended a one-room school for eight years, graduated from Prescott High School in 1934 and attended Washington State College for three years. She was affiliated with Kappa Delta Sorority.
In 1940 she married James Earle Butler, Jr. of Waitsburg and lived in Walla Walla, Spokane, Portland, Mercer Island, Bellevue and, again, in Spokane.
As a homemaker for many years in Spokane, she had the privilege of helping with many organizations. She worked with American Field Service, YWCA, Deaconess Hospital Auxiliary, Cub and Boy Scouts, served as President of North Spokane Women of Rotary. She was also involved at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church during its formative years.
A member of P.E.O. for over 50 years, she was active in each community where they lived, most recently as a member of Chapter E.
After Jim’s retirement they traveled extensively and saw much of the world by tour or cruise.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, an infant son and her sister. She is survived by her two sons and their families, John B. Butler (Coralie) of Deerfield, IL and William A. Butler (Debbie) of Issaquah, WA, as well as five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She loved her family whom she visited at their homes or hers as often as possible.
Though slowed by age, she was physically active until the time of her death and regularly participated in outings, exercise programs, the writing club and other activities at Touchmark where she had lived for 18 years. Always a lady, she loved beautiful clothes and took great pride in her appearance. She regularly engaged family and friends with challenging questions, suggestions and insights. Despite her age, she never felt too old to learn something, participate in a lively conversation, express her opinion or enjoy a Seahawks game.
We will all miss her.
A memorial service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Touchmark on South Hill, 2929 S. Waterford Dr.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.
