Obituaries : Shirley Jean Butts

  Shirley Jean Butts passed away September 13, 2015 at Belle Plaine Nursing & Rehab Center following a courageous battle with cancer.

    Shirley was born April 8, 1943 in Reeves, Missouri to J.C. and Alta (Vaughn) Pritchett. Shirley's early years were spent helping to care for her 3 younger siblings & helping the family by working in the cotton fields on farms in the area. The family followed work into Iowa. Shirley was a graduate of Vinton High School in 1961.

    She united in marriage to Ronald Tharp of Vinton. To this union, 2 children would be born, Clifford and Dawana. The couple later divorced. Shirley worked at Rockwell Collins & Perfex. She welded by day at Perfex, & at night, waitressed tables at night to help support her family. The bulk of her working life was spent at Benco Manufacturing in Belle Plaine, IA. In the 25 years employed there, she touched many lives & made many friends. To Shirley, her co-workers were family as well.

    On September 11, 1983, she united in marriage to Donald Butts, of Vinton, at the Davis Motorcycle Rally in New Hampton, Iowa. Several couples have been married there in the 37 years of the rally, but they were the very first. During her marriage with Don, she enjoyed motorcycling, camping & traveling with friends. She also enjoyed bowling, traveling to Buffalo, NY for a tournament. Perhaps her greatest enjoyments in life came from spending time with her grandchildren and family.

    Shirley is survived by 2 sisters, Barb (Don) Andrews of Marion, IA, and Bonnie Pritchett of Cedar Rapids, IA, 2 children Cliff (Sonya) of Garrison, IA and Dawana (Rick) Trasak of Vinton, IA. and a stepson, Jeff Butts of Wichita, KS. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Cory, Cody, Jennifer, Dillon, Renee, Kelli, Jason & Chelsee, and 4 Great Grand Children.

    She was preceded in death by a brother, Ray, her parents, husband Donald Butts, and a step son, Brian Butts. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. A celebration of life will be held a later date.

      Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.iowacremation.com under Obituaries.