Averil Edith Butler
November 14, 1917 - September 28, 2017
Obituary
Averil Edith Butler
Nov. 14, 1917- Sept. 28, 2017
Edith was born to the late John Riley Barnes and Maude Holmesly Barnes as the youngest of six children in Spring Valley, Arkansas. She grew up working on the family farm and was a high school graduate. In October 1941 she moved to Des Moines to marry her long time beau, Wave M Butler, who had previously followed his brother to Washington and was working for Boeing. They were married November 1, 1941 and raised 3 children: Johnny Wave, Viola Ann and Howard Eugene. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before Wave passed in July 2001.
Edith loved her family and was happy to be a homemaker. She was an outstanding cook and everyone loved her apple pie & yeast rolls. They were “the best”! Edith was also a professional seamstress and worked from home. She primarily did alterations for Benson’s Apparel in Des Moines until they closed in 2006 but was also known to make custom clothing for friends and family. Her favorite hobbies were gardening and reading Harlequin romances. She grew a fruit & vegetable garden big enough to feed half the neighborhood. It was only a couple years ago she decided to only plant half a garden. Even this year, at the age of 99, she still managed to plant 12 tomato plants & 11 cabbage!
Edith was a past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star Juanita Chapter #187, Treasurer for Christian Care Center Church and was admitted (with Wave) to the Pacific Northwest HALL OF FAITH of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International in 1998.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Viola (1984), her husband Wave (2001), her son Johnny (2009) as well as her parents and all her siblings.
She is survived by her son Howard “Gene” (Mary) Butler, Grandchildren: Sarena (Randy) Campbell, Desiree (Ted) Kane and John Butler. Great-granddaughter Violet Kane.
Edith was a strong woman of faith and a great prayer warrior. Her graciousness, love and kindness to all who knew her will be greatly missed.
Memorial donations may be made to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.
Prayers and hugs to the family .. especially Sarena
Thank The Father in Heaven for His promise that Edith now enjoys with the family she has missed here on earth.
What a beautiful life to celebrate. My love and prayers for peace and comfort during this season and always! With much love to all.
Prayers for Aunt Edith families.
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY
Prayers to Gene and the Grandchildren
Always looked forward to the annual Christmas card from aunt Edith,,,,,you will be missed. Much love to Gene and Mary and the rest of the family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
I became friends with the Butler family in the mid-70’s.
Edith was the kind of mother I would have chosen.
When her daughter passed she told me I was like her second daughter and that really touched my heart.
Edith stayed true to herself in everything she did. Family meant everything to her.
You lived a long and productive life and will truly be missed.
Love
Marie
Edith was our adopted gramma! We will miss her smile, her loving words of encouragement, and her fierce love of the Lord! Not to mention, her yummy homegrown produce. Wow. In fact we have transplanted the berries she so graciously bestowed on us years ago. Every time we eat them, we think of her. We are with you in your grief, Sarena and Desi and all. We rejoice in gramma’s homecoming but will miss her greatly.