Karen Eleanor Butler

Karen Butler, also known as Karen Eleanor Hanna, Karen Padbury and Karen Colvin, died on November 16, 2023, unexpectedly from complications after surgery. She was born on August 5, 1940, in Butte Montana, the town where her family had moved earlier so that her father, Charles Wray Hanna, could have a good job working in the copper mines. Her mother, Eleanor Faddis, thought that Butte was a pretty rough place, compared to the small towns she came from in Utah, so her admonition to Karen was always, "Don't act like a Butte kid." The answer back was, "But I am a Butte kid." unlike her brother Charles Wray Jr and sister Joyce, who were both born in Utah. The family lived on Colorado Street for a while then moved to "the flat" at 2228 Harrison Avenue, across the street from the Food Bank Grocery and the Dairy Queen. This was the family home until 1965. It was while living here and exploring the neighborhood at age three that Karen was hit by a car on Florence Avenue. She was hospitalized then and for many years, for months at a time, for muscle repair surgery and therapy. She grew up in casts and braces and these injuries influenced her choices and opportunities all her life while also forming her to be a very strong and independent person. She attended Emerson Grade School and these schoolmates remained her lifelong friends. She graduated from Butte High, Class of '58, and went on to Brigham Young University. She began her work career at 16 working in the dental office on Park Street of Dr. J Myles White DDS. After her marriage to Charles Thomas Padbury from Helena, she quit college and worked at dental offices in Provo Utah and Portland Oregon, where Chuck graduated from BYU and from the University of Oregon Dental School. Living in Portland, in 1963 they adopted a wonderful nine-day old baby boy they named Craig Earl and two years later were delighted when Burke Charles arrived in the usual, but exciting manner. The blond little girl to complete their family was adopted in 1969 and named Laurel. Karen enjoyed her family and was active in all their activities, including Chuck's office, Craig's sports, Burke's scouting, Laurel's dance. As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints she was committed to serving others in various callings in the Ward and Stake Relief Society, Primary, Youth and Seminary organizations. She enjoyed her designation as "token Mormon friend" by her Butte kid friends. After she and Chuck divorced, she was reunited with her high school sweetheart Donald Edward Butler. They were married and made a home on Pintlar Lane in Butte, where Don was a Police Officer. She again worked in a dental office and then enjoyed 20 years as an office manager at Rocky Mountain Clinic. They loved Butte and made forever friends. After Don died in 1999, Karen retired and continued on with a busy life of voluntarism, at Butte Archives, RSVP and church, plus an active social life of exercise classes, Red Hat Society, golf, eating out and loving her little dog, Riley. During that time, she was happily married for 5 years to an old and dear friend, Jack Colvin. They traveled and enjoyed life together until his death in 2009. Karen enjoyed visiting with her family. She was able to remain in the community of Butte with her friends, staying in the home she loved with the help of her son Burke, who moved back to Butte to live with her. Karen was known for entertaining, bringing friends and family together, through her formal dinners and casual gatherings in her backyard. She delighted in her green yard and colorful flower gardens that had increased in size and varieties the last couple of summers. Karen could be found curled up on the couch or in a chair crocheting one of her famous afghans. Karen has a kind and generous heart and continues to be loved by many. She is survived by her devoted sons Craig (Julie) Padbury, Burke Padbury, and daughter Laurel Mizell. Grandchildren: Kyla Padbury (Neph Smith), Tanner Padbury, Shannon (Jess) Hansen, and Carson (Bayley) Padbury. Arianna Padbury, Shaelin Padbury, and Isen Padbury. Cassie (Jacob) Crandell, Brenton (Lindsay) Mizell, Savannah (Tanner) Smith, and Brevin Mizell. Also, part of Karen's family are Don's children, Bill, Don, Randy and Dan Butler, Kathy Irving and Cindy Thomas and their spouses and children. The Butler family always treated Karen with love and respect; she loved and appreciated them. Sister Joyce (Kent) Stoddard, Sister-in-law Ardith Hanna and many nieces and nephews. Karen's goal was to teach the gospel of Christ every day, using words if necessary. We thank all who have been so kind. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services for Karen will be conducted Saturday afternoon, December 2nd at 2o’clock in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

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Karen Eleanor Butler

August 5, 1940 - November 16, 2023