Karen Burtis Butler

January 3, 1936 - May 2, 2025

Karen was born on January 3, 1936 to Orville and Gertrude (Harling) Burtis at the Moffet Ranch outside of Cottonwood Falls, KS. They then moved to the Dewey Ranch—now known as the Konza Prairie Conservatory—in the Ashland Community south of Manhattan, KS. Karen attended grade school at the Ashland country school, where she rode her horse Fancy to school. Fancy wasn't so fancy all of the time and forced Karen to walk her horse more than she rode her. She graduated from Manhattan High School at the age of 16 and then attended and graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelors of Arts & Science. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, and during this time she was persuaded to go on a blind date with James Butler, a veterinary student. On November 3, 1957 she and Jim were married at the Ashland Community Church. They celebrated 61 years together before Jim's passing.
The couple lived on the Ellsworth AFB while Jim finished his service. Karen worked at the Rapid City Journal as a staff writer. El Dorado, KS was the next stop before settling in Valentine, NE in 1960. She maintained that growing up in the Flint Hills, moving to the Black Hills and finally settling in the Sandhills made her a bonafide "Hillbilly". Together they started the Butler Veterinary Clinic where she maintained the business accounts and held a dog or two. They were blessed with three children in those early years and life was busy!
Karen took pride in maintaining her home and loving the kids, as well as taking on varied leadership roles in the community. She enjoyed being a member of PEO, Presbyterian Women, and book club, and considered herself a lifelong learner. Being a voracious reader, she was tapped to establish and maintain the Presbyterian Reading List for Nebraska. Her influence instilled the love of reading to her children and grandchildren.
As her children grew, so did her roles in service. She was past moderator for Presbyterian Woman for the Central Nebraska Presbytery. She served as an Elder and Deacon for the Valentine Presbyterian Church and was on the building committee when the current church was built. She was past president of the Nebraska Veterinary Medicine Auxiliary. Karen also held various positions including president for the local PEO chapter and was a member of the Cherry County Hospital Foundation.
She had a love for travel and was able to visit Australia and New Zealand through Rotary. The couple experienced the Great Wall and traveled the Yangtze River in China, and their last trip was to the Holy Land which she held dear to her heart. Their married life was sprinkled with chinchilla shows, veterinary conferences, and visits to their folks in Kansas.
Karen was a woman of unwavering faith. She was known for her wise and discerning words, giving comfort to many. Family was her heart and soul and God was her beacon. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, and took joy in seeing the next generation come to fruition.
Karen is survived by her son Joe (Janet Wood), Valentine. Daughter: Susan (Pat) Schwartz, Denver CO. Grandchildren: Ryan, Brianna, and Sarah Butler; James Bruno. Great grandchildren: Harper and Aisley. Brother- and sister-in-laws: Vern and Wanda Butler; Irma Butler. Many nieces and nephews. First cousin: Max Bayer
Preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim (2018), daughter Elisabeth (1995), and siblings Orville (Edith) Burtis, Cornelia (Wilbur) Davis, David (Gwen) Burtis.  Brother-in-laws: David Butler, Jack Butler.
Funeral service for Karen Butler, age 89 of Valentine, was held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine.  A private family interment was held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.  A visitation was held on Wednesday, May 7 from 7 to 8 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine.  Mrs. Butler passed away on May 2 in Kearney, NE.  Memorials can be made to the Valentine Library Foundation.  Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with service arrangements.

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Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is entrusted with service arrangements.