Kathleen Butler
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Kathy Butler passed peacefully May 12 surrounded by loved ones. After an extended illness, our beautiful, gracious, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend went to be with her Savior.
Linda Kathleen made her arrival on November 18, 1946 in Hailey, ID, the youngest of five children born to Everett and Erma (Smith) Simpson. Her father died when she was 18 months old, and the family experienced difficult times keeping afloat. They moved to Wendell, then Bellevue and finally Jerome. She attended St Edward's Catholic School in Twin Falls from first through eighth grade. In her early teens, Kathy and her mother moved to Boise. She graduated from Bishop Kelly High School in 1965.
She began studies at (then) Boise College. Her education was put on hold when she married Rick Williams and moved to Colorado, where son Christopher was born. The couple eventually returned to Boise and later divorced.
Kathy worked for many years at the Internal Revenue Service. It was there that she met her soul mate, Bob Butler. The two married on July 7, 1981. Bob's son Keith enlarged her inner circle.
Once the boys were raised and left the nest, Kathy and Bob especially enjoyed travel. Over the years they took cruises to Alaska and Mexico; toured Ireland, England and Italy; and explored Japan, where their eldest grandson was born. The Oregon Coast was among their favorite locations and they returned there many times to vacation.
In mid-life Kathy fulfilled a lifelong dream of completing college, enrolling at Boise State University to earn a degree in Social Work in 1988.
She was a lifelong Catholic and devoted member of Sacred Heart Parish, where she volunteered in various capacities at both the church and school. She served as a Eucharist Minister and was active in the Respect Life Ministry. She participated in the church choir for several years; singing with this group was a great joy to her.
Other creative pursuits included ceramics and painting. She had a large clown collection, which made her smile and lifted her spirits. Being physically active was a priority for both Kathy and Bob; they regularly walked and exercised together. She loved dancing and was an avid swimmer.
Kathy was a loving, involved and devoted mother. Being a grandmother was the delightful icing on her cake. She took great interest in the activities of her sons and three grandchildren, of whom she was so proud.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Rita, and brothers Jerry, Marvin, and Carl. She is survived by husband Bob; son Christopher, daughter-in-law Fuyu, grandson, Keiju; stepson Keith, daughter-in-law Libby, granddaughter Abby, grandson Brian, and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Spring Creek Assisted Living Center in Eagle and hospice services for the wonderful care and compassion extended to Kathy.
Her funeral will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, at Cloverdale Funeral Chapel, 1200 N Cloverdale Rd, Boise. A family graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 10, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Respect Life, PO Box 7484, Boise ID 83707.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home, Boise. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family on Kathy's tribute page at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com