Margaret ‘Peggy’ Ann Butler

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Ann Butler, 87 years old, passed away January 1, 2016 in Richland, WA.  She was born October 24, 1928, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Marion and John Shaeffer.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marion Viola Rittenhouse Shaeffer; her father John Morgan Shaeffer; her sister Arline Walcott; her husband William Joseph Butler; and her daughter-in-law, Karen Azzarelli Butler.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Butler of West Richland, and three sons and daughter-in-law, Dan Butler of Moscow, PA; Paul Butler of Golden, CO; Tom and Betsy Butler of Evergreen, CO; and her seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Peggy grew up in Enid with her parents and sister.  The family vacationed in Creede, CO, fishing, hiking, riding horses and loving the mountains.  Peggy received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma.  Later, Peggy worked as a manager of an insurance claims department.  She moved to Denver, CO in the mid-50s and married Bill Butler on February 15, 1958.  Through Bill, she met the Van Epps family and they enjoyed many years of family gatherings.  Bill and Peggy started their family adopting Paul and Tom in 1960.  Nancy and Danny followed soon after in 1962 and 1964.  She was very proud of her children.  Peggy and Bill lived in Denver, Idaho Springs and finally settling for nearly 30 years in Castle Rock, CO, where they owned several automotive businesses over the years.

Peggy and Bill retired and spent many wonderful years traveling to visit their children and grandchildren all over the country.  They also enjoyed attending jazz festivals, the Santa Fe opera, picnics on Squaw Pass and the Colorado Rockies baseball games.  In 2001, Peggy and Bill moved from Castle Rock to Richland, WA to be closer to their daughter when extra help was needed with Bill’s declining health.  Peggy had a passion for service and knitting, creating beautiful blankets for the Project Linus for critically ill children.  She was an active member of West Side Church and enjoyed Sarah Circle service projects. 

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 1 p.m. and reception at 2 p.m., at Events at Sunset, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland, WA 509-943-1114.  Memorial Donations to Project Linus Tri-Cities Chapter can be made at www.projectlinus.org.