Bobbie Pauline (White) Butler

MORTIMORE FUNERAL HOME, 620 Arapahoe, Thermopolis, WY   82443

Bobbie Pauline (White) Butler started her life December 1, 1922 in Oakley, Kansas, number 7 in a family of 8 children.  At a very young age, during the depression, the family moved by covered wagon to a farm near Neosho, Missouri. This period of time seems to have had a great influence on her life, which made her very humble, grateful, and gave her strength and determination which she passed on to those around her.

 After finishing school, Bobbie went to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, to work as a maid and part time nanny for Anna Lee and Brick Gross, ranchers in the area. It was at that time she met Charles Butler, “ Shorty” as he was then called, who worked for Brick Gross as well. Bobbie was 5’2” and Charles was 5’5” and they seemed to be a great fit. Soon they were married and started a family.  Shortly  after Charles Jr (otherwise known as Butch) was born, Charles Sr. joined the Army Air Corps and the family moved to Salina, Kansas, where 2 more children were born. Charles was transferred to California and Bobbie followed with 3 small children on a train. WOW. The family was in California for the duration of WW2, after which the family moved back to Wyoming, once again by train.

 In December of ‘45 Bobbie and Charles bought a farm, with no power, a windmill for water, and a stand alone (for good reason!) outhouse. No thunder mugs were allowed in the house. The family used coal for heating and cooking. They carried water to the house to wash, drink and bathe. They eventually got power and water in the house, AND a fourth son was born. Altogether, Bobbie and Charles raised 4 children and mentored 4 foster boys. Bobbie was a tough girl then, just as you all know she was later. She and Charles raised these boys with lots of love, and encouraged all talents.

In the 80’s, Bobbie and Charles moved to Thermopolis, making way for a new generation to run the farm. While living in Thermopolis, Bobbie became a renowned local artist. Not too long after Charles passed, Bobbie moved into the Wyoming Pioneer Home. There, she hosted Bridge games (as she had done for years) until COVID restrictions put a halt to them, when Bobbie was 97 years old.

Bobbie had many talents and passions, some of which were painting, piano playing, decorating, ceramics, reading, square dancing, knitting, playing cards, and life. Her love of people and caring about people was spread everywhere she went.  The one thing that stands out the most was her love. Bobbie’s faith and love of God were constants in her life from beginning to the end, and was always involved in the church. She regularly played either the piano or the organ for church services.

Bobbie died January 31, 2023 at her granddaughter’s residence in Thermopolis.  She is survived by 4 sons: Charles “Butch” Butler, Jr. of Oxnard, CA; James (Linda, deceased) of Carpenter, WY; Jan (Barbara) Butler, of Greeley, CO; and Stan (Karen) Butler of Carpenter, WY. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 7 great, great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Butler, Sr., her parents, James and Hazel (Erbentraut) White, two brothers, 6 sisters, daughter-in-law, and a grandson.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the spring. Please send flowers to the Wyoming Pioneer Home. A memorial donation can be made to Meals on Wheels.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online messages may be offered at www.mortfh.com.

Obituary forthcoming

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