Barbara June Butler left the loving arms of her family to return home to her Savior in the early morning hours of January 27th, 2025. Barb was born on New Years Day, 1938, in Weiser, Idaho, to Della Mae and Ernest “Dude” Farrell. Della later married Harry Otterbacher, who adopted Barbara at that time, and a younger sister, Shirley, was born approximately 3 years later. Their early childhood was spent between Weiser and Emmett and was probably most significantly shaped by the events of WWII, as many family members fought in the war. Barbara’s grandmother Lucy Medley was instrumental in her upbringing, and Barb loved her dearly. Her childhood days were spent primarily with cousins, Ernestine and Ernest, Patty, Roy, Joe, and others. She had a special bond with them throughout her life.
Barb met her future husband Peter Lee Wilson while attending her senior year high school in Riggins, Idaho. Two daughters were born of that union, (Charlotte) Renee and (Charlene) Monique. Barb and Pete later divorced, and in 1971, Barb married Gary Don Butler. They were married until Gary’s death in 2019. At that point, Barb moved in with her daughter Monique, where she resided until her death. Those six years were a blessing to the family.
Barb had many “careers” in her lifetime, but she found her greatest joy and source of pleasure in her role as “homemaker” to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Barb filled everyone’s lives with holiday and Sunday dinners, strawberry jam, maple bars, waffles, and huckleberry cream pie. She was always delighted to see company and made everyone feel like they were her most treasured guests. Company could arrive unexpectedly, and within two hours, would be sitting down to a Thanksgiving-style spread. No one who entered her home was ever at risk of leaving hungry! Her home was never extravagant,, but it was warm and welcoming, and filled with love and laughter. The family will forever cherish the memories Barb and Gary gave them of hunting, fishing, camping, water skiing, “arrowhead hunting,” huckleberry picking, and so much more.
Barb loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren deeply and had a profound impact on each of their lives. Barb gave her full, undivided attention to each conversation and each shared experience, and because of this, her grandchildren felt completely and uniquely valued and significant when in her presence. Whether it be walks to feed carrots to “Brownie”, wagon rides through the neighborhood, trips to Jacksons for a slushy on a hot summer day, or to the many mountain adventures Mom and Gary shared with their family, even the most ordinary moments were made unique and special by Mom’s undivided love and attentiveness.
In her later years, Barb fell increasingly in love with her Savior, and we are all so thankful to know that He has called her home for eternal rest. Barb’s family is forever grateful for the loving care provided by Dr. Louise Ye-Liew and Summer Anderson, and other staff at Harrison’s Hope Hospice. Her family is also forever grateful to the loving friends and family members who came alongside them in Barb’s final months and weeks (Kim Moroney, Marlene Lewis, Patty Mitchell, Darlene Biebuyck, Rebecca, Matt and Peggy Pheasant, and Randy and Tami Dusenbury, and others), as well as to Barb’s devoted family members who surrounded her with their love throughout her life and especially in her final days and hours.
Barb leaves behind a daughter, Monique Zehner, grandchildren Kellie and Reid Selmer, Clay Waters, Ty Waters, Tehani Schnupp, and Brenda Cannady, and great grandchildren Malia, Kiana, Ikaika, Mikayla, Kaealani, William, Marcus, Quinton, Aliviana, Logan, Liam, Gideon, Lucy, Gus, Abram and Judah. She was preceded in death by her daughter Renee Wilson and her husband Gary Butler.
To all who knew and loved Barb, the family invites you to join us for a memorial service on Friday, February 28th, at 2 p.m. at Bowman’s Funeral Home located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Drive, Boise ID 83714.
“For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ” – 2 Corinthians 4:18