Phyllis Louise Butler August 17, 1932 – May 31, 2011

  Phyllis Louise Butler was born to Keith and Esther (Newton) Johnston on August 17, 1932 in Mount Ayr, Iowa.

She was a 54-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star; a 26-year employee with Ruan Transportation serving as executive administrative assistant, retiring in 1996, and also a talented seamstress, making nearly all of her professional wardrobe.

Phyllis enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s many athletic events and dance recitals. She was especially proud of her great-grandson, Grady, who lit her up whenever he was in the room.

A wonderful cook, the grandchildren looked forward to her homemade cinnamon rolls every holiday. Her sons fondly remember dessert with nearly every meal.

For the past nine years Phyllis and Al enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona and summers in Iowa. During their time together they made countless new friends and were reunited with old friends and relatives, always on their way to visit one or the other.

Phyllis died of lung cancer Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at The Village Health Center in Indianola at the age of 78 years.

She is survived by her sons, Bradley (Alesia Wright) Butler of Indianola, Iowa and Daniel (Kim) Butler of Urbandale, Iowa; companion, Al Cronin of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren, Joseph (Leah), Peter and Keith Butler, Kelsey and Allison Butler, Drew and Jay Sikkink and Bryce, Brett and Ben Wright; great-grandson, Grady Butler; Al’s children, Terri (Mike) Lewellen, their son, Andrew and Dean Cronin; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Lynch, and aunt, Mary Bollinger.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W.D. ‘Bud’ Butler.