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​Sadly we say goodbye to our friends and neighbors who died in the past year.  Our deepest condolences to their families.
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Celebrating the Life of Marilyn Butler  October 23, 1933 ~ September 12, 2020 (age 86)
Her journey began on October 23, 1933 in Decatur, Illinois. Born to Martha and Donald Cole, she grew up with older brother Dick Cole – who will be 92 in October - on a farm in Warrensburg, Illinois. They both attended Majors one-room country school grades K-8. Fun fact: She wrote a play at the age of seven which was performed by the entire school for parents. Since a young age, Marilyn always loved animals and developing her vegetable gardening/canning skills as well as an expertise in soybean, corn and wheat farming she learned from her Father. She graduated from Millikin University in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in education and taught physical education and health at Warrensburg-Latham High School. Always upbeat, no surprise she was also the cheerleading coach. Marilyn married Robert (Bob) Brown in 1960 and raised children Ken and Susan on their family farm which she also was active in running. She was a room mother, scout leader and overall super Mom who was a master at reupholstering and refinishing furniture. Bob died suddenly in 1980 and at 47 she bravely started anew in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1981, she met Jack Butler at the AAA company picnic where they both worked– they married in 1991. She happily added three adult children to the mix, Eric, Tom and Diane. They have had many wonderful years together; playing golf, entertaining friends and family, travelling the world and creating homes in Union, Washington as well as Scottsdale and Green Valley, Arizona. An extremely kind person with an amazing smile, she impacted every life she touched. Her caring side never missed a birthday or anniversary with a card or call and her fun-loving side kept her always exploring and on the move. Always a great cook, Marilyn was known for her curry chicken salad, homemade candy and pies and her famous biscuits and gravy. Above all she loved her family including three grandchildren and three great grandchildren, her friends and the big adventure of life. She will be greatly missed and will always be in our hearts.  Jack and Marilyn have lived at  1000 Desert Hills Drive for many years.