Raymond (Ray) Clifford Butler

The "Ray" of light that lit up our lives has returned to our Creator.  Right now Saint Peter is undoubtedly getting an earful of salty stories, jokes and one-liners; some of them that may cause him to blush.  Ray passed away peacefully at his home in Centerville, February 25, 2019.  Ray was born May 25, 1928 to Edith Ivy Trease and Clifford Butler in Bothwell Utah.  A child during the Great Depression, Ray grew up rough and rowdy.  But after serving in the US Army stationed in Germany he met his match with the love of his life, Erna Francis Allred.  She helped knock some of the rough edges off and they married.  The marriage was later solemnized on March 15, 1965 in the Logan LDS Temple. 

Ray loved his profession in construction as a project superintendant.  Ray and Erna spent their life together living in several locations following his work including Brigham City, San Diego, The Dalles Oregon and later settling in Bountiful and finally Centerville, Utah. 

Ray was so many things but he was so much more than any words could describe.  He was one of a kind.  He didn't have a lot, but what he had he shared easily.  Many people accepted Ray and Erna's hospitality and generosity and came to live with them when they fell on hard times.  Their example of giving paid off and many cared for them in their later years to make sure they were comfortable and able to remain in their own home until their passing. 

Ray made such an impact with his strong example, warm heart and wonderful sense of humor.  He certainly had his aches and pains but rather than wallow in them he'd say "Getting old ain't for sissy's".  Give him a minute and he'd make you his buddy with a joke or story.  Even if you heard the story before you'd want to hear it again because in the end you'd be laughing.  Many of his stories and jokes were about his days in construction or when he was stationed in Germany.  Even at the end of his days he would welcome you or say goodbye with a German phase.

He didn't have an advanced degree but he had a great intellect.  He loved reading and one of his favorites was "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking (not an easy read).  He could recall people's names, details and songs from 70 or 80 years earlier.

But what really lit him up was his family.  He loved them dearly and we all loved him in return.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two younger brothers John and Wayne Butler and his beloved wife Erna.  Survived by their children Christi (Craig) Bohn, Randi, and Robyn (Kim) Townsend and 12 grandchildren and 19 Great-Grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held 1 PM Saturday, March 2nd at Russon Mortuary in Farmington (1941 N Main St. Farmington, Utah). Friends and family may visit Friday evening from 6-8 PM and Saturday from 11:30 to 12:45.  Interment will be at the Centerville city cemetery with military honor guard following the services.  Ray, until we meet again… Auf Wiedersehen