Marian L. Butler *
Marian Laverne Butler, 86, of Pueblo, CO, passed away November 30, 2021 after a lengthy illness. Marian was born on October 14, 1935 in Olney, IL, the daughter of Delbert and Camilla (Broster) Williams. She married Delbert Butler on April 26, 1952, and they had four daughters who grew up in Pueblo. Marian graduated from Southern Colorado State College and gained a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Colorado University in Gunnison. She taught for 25 years in Pueblo School District 70, finding great purpose teaching children to read, while also nurturing their creative and artistic expressions. Marian was a lively storyteller and enjoyed striking up conversations everywhere she went. Her many creative talents included oil and watercolor painting, sculpture, cooking and baking. Marian thrived in a classroom as both a teacher and student, and her home was full of books which fueled her love of learning. In her final years, Marian also found comfort in the company of her dog Diamond and cat Mary.
Marian was a strong mother and grandmother who taught the importance of each person defining their own course through life, while also practicing compassion, being part of a community, and not forgetting to have fun! She especially enjoyed cooking for her loved ones and listening about all aspects of their lives, both adventures and challenges. Her spiritual nature provided a unique understanding of other people and the rhythms of life. Although Marian’s presence will be greatly missed by her family, her wishes were for us to CELEBRATE and carry forward her sense of joy and zest for life.
Marian is survived by her daughters Melody (Rick) Needham of Colorado City; Sandra (Danny) Weston of Pueblo; Rebecca Butler and Cindy Unrein who both lived with their mom as caregivers. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Andrew Unrein, Adam Unrein, Ashley Lara, and Siobhan Eggleston; and six great-grandchildren Sara, Evan, Kaylee, Athena, Isabelle and Abigail. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Ellaree, and her children’s father Delbert Butler. Cremation has taken place at Romero Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Dementia Society of America, http://dementiasociety.org.