Barbara Butler

BOONE, Iowa—Barbara Marie Butler, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, surrounded by her family at Westhaven Community.

Barbara was born March 19, 1928, in Ferguson, Iowa, the daughter of Lyle and Sylvia Butler. She spent much of her childhood in Madrid, Iowa, and graduated from Madrid High School in 1945. She went on to earn her teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa).

Barbara dedicated many years to educating children, teaching elementary school in Dows, Jefferson, and Boone, Iowa. After moving to Illinois, she worked as a social worker before returning to her passion—teaching—in 1988.

In 1999, Barbara moved back to Boone, Iowa, to be closer to family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Sylvia Butler; sisters, Joanne Butler and Susan Slight; brother-in-law, Lyndon Slight; and niece, Tamra Slight.

Surviving are nephew Michael Slight and his wife Brenda, along with their children, Makenna Slight, Brett Slight, Dianna and Cannon Ridgeway; nephew John Slight and his children, Madelyn and Tyler Wisecup and their four children, Joe and Samantha Slight and Emma and Sam Wells; and great-niece, Mollie Fraizer and cousins.

Barbara found joy in the simple things—reading, traveling, watching television, and most of all, spending time with her family. She also cherished the kind and caring staff at Westhaven and considered them family. Barbara had a generous heart and consistently put the needs of others before her own. She supported numerous charitable causes throughout her life, always finding ways to give back.

She was a proud member of the Boone County Retired School Personnel, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and Augustana Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be directed to Augustana Lutheran Church or the Boone Area Humane Society.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Fairview Cemetery North of Madrid.

Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone has been assisting the family with these arrangements.