Evelyn D. Butler died on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, surrounded by her family.
Evelyn was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia, on May 13, 1927, the only child of Leitha Carter and Avery H. Durden. She graduated from Clifton Forge High School and attended Madison College. In 1949, she married Ernest L. Butler, and in 1958, after living in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and Lawrenceville, Virginia, the couple and their 2 daughters moved to Staunton. The family joined Central United Methodist Church, where Evelyn was involved in various church Circles and committees and remained an active member until her death. She was a volunteer with the then Kings Daughters Hospital (now Augusta Health) Thrift Shop for over 55 years, and for a number of years she was also the shop bookkeeper. Evelyn also worked for the Staunton Augusta Tourist Information Center, happily sharing her knowledge of the Staunton area and taking pride in the number of people she helped.
Evelyn's life spanned many eras. Her high school graduating class did not have a prom because the boys were recruited for military service in WWII. Much more recently she received an iPad and was soon adding apps, watching her favorite sports teams play online, and helping friends with technology questions. She joined a bridge club soon after her arrival in Staunton and played bridge for over 50 years. She spent so much time watching and identifying the birds outside her kitchen window that friends gave her a "Bird Sanctuary" plaque to place beneath her bird feeder. Evelyn's father Avery was a dispatcher for the C&O Railroad, and she loved railroad memorabilia. She travelled to France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and England with her daughter Kathy and son in law John, but said that she liked England best because she could talk to everybody. She was a longtime supporter of the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals, and was such an avid Miami Dolphins fan that she and her daughter Carol twice traveled to Miami to see the team play. She was also one of a small group of friends who called themselves "The Sisters" who toasted their birthdays and travelled together when possible. Through the years, Evelyn was grandmother to multiple "granddogs."
Evelyn is survived by her daughters, Kathy Masters and Carol Locklear; her sons- in-law, John Masters and Scott Locklear, and her niece Mary Ellen Pascoe.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Central United Methodist Church, 14 N Lewis St, Staunton, with Rev. Won Un officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church an hour prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 953, Staunton, VA 24401.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory - Staunton.
February 25, 2017
Judy Bonin
As a high school friend of Evelyn's daughter, Carol, I will always remember Mrs. Butler as a warm and caring lady. My thoughts and prayers are with the Butler family at this time. I am so sorry for your loss...
February 19, 2017
Armand and Nicole De Maeght
We are very sorry to learn about the passing of your beloved mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wishing you and your family lots of strength in this difficult time. Our deepest respect, Armand and Nicole.
February 19, 2017
Donna & Ross Milley
Our hearts & prayers are with her family. ♥ We're so sorry for your loss.
February 17, 2017
My husband, Jack Walsh, enjoyed working with Evelyn at the Staunton Travel Information Center. We both enjoyed Evelyn's warm friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Evelyn's family. Our deepest sympathy,
Jack and Susie Walsh
February 17, 2017
Jack and Susie Walsh
February 10, 2017
Marc & Capie Hubbard
With our love and prayers,
February 10, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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