Valle "Merle" Butler

Valle "Merle" Butler, 95, of Moscow, Idaho, died Sept. 15, 2016, at Good Samaritan Moscow Village.

Merle was born June 19, 1921, in St. Louis, Mo., to Harry and Grace McMillen Johnson. She moved to Pueblo, Colo., at a young age and lived there until she graduated from Centennial High School in 1939. She married the love of her life, John Paul Butler, on Oct. 13, 1945, in San Francisco. They moved to Moscow in 1949 where John passed away in March of 1959, leaving her with four children under the age of nine to raise on her own. She ran a child care center out of her home to support herself and her kids and was lovingly known as "Mrs. B" by all the her "kids" and their families.

She was very involved in the VFW ladies auxiliary, the American Legion and was an active member of the United Church of Moscow.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents, brother, sister, husband and a son, Richard Butler. She is survived by two sons, David Butler and spouse Nora of Sterling, Colo., and Jeff Butler of Moscow; one daughter, Paula Siddoway of Green River; and nine grandchildren.

At her request there will be no formal services. The family asks that donations in Merle's name be made to the Good Samaritan Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and condolences may be left at http://www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.