Seventy-nine is just fine for this lady born in 1934, in New Mexico. Leola Butler has lived in Salem since1968 when she and her husband, Glen, bought the home in which she still lives.

 

While in high school she worked at an Indian Trading Post in Ship Rock, New Mexico. She gained a love for Indian art and has many pieces in her home, including sand paintings. In high school she was on the softball, basketball, and volleyball teams. After graduating from high school she moved to Spanish Fork and lived with an aunt and uncle. She worked at the old “91 Café” in Spanish Fork which was where Zions Bank is now located. It was also the bus depot. She also worked at the Ideal Café.

In 1953 Glen Butler got home from the service. He would come into the “91Café” and this is where they met. They were married in 1954 in Waterflow, New Mexico. They first lived in the Mel Hanks’ “honeymoon cabin”.  Then they moved to Spanish Fork, and then back to Salem in 1968.

 

Mel Hanks' "Honeymoon Cottage", Salem UT

 

Glen worked at Geneva U.S. Steel for 45 years. He passed away in 1994. They had three children; Gordon who lives in Spanish Fork; Anna Jean (Steve) Frost from Spanish Fork; and Mary Lou (Roger) Warner who lives in Lehi. They have 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

 

Leola was fortunate not to have to work outside of the home after they were married. She has been very involved with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She does tours of the DUP Cabin at Heritage Park, explaining the monuments and items in the cabin. In May they had 106 fourth and fifth graders from Foothill Elementary who were studying Utah History, tour the cabin site.

 

When Glen was alive they loved to go fishing, hunting and camping. She still loves to fish at Salem Pond which she does with her sister-in-law. She has held several positions in the L.D.S. Church but enjoyed being librarian for 13 years. She loves Salem; the people are nice, friendly and giving. She is appreciative of the Salem City employees and Police Department saying “whenever they are needed, they are always there”.

 

She likes chocolate and Mexican food. She loves a challenging jigsaw puzzle, working with plastic canvas, painting ceramics, and collecting frogs. She likes to tell jokes. She has three sisters who still live in New Mexico and four step-sisters; two in Arizona and two have passed away. Leola was selected as Salem Volunteer of the Year for 2012. She has a great love for her family and is very emotional when she speaks about them.

 

Leola, thanks for your contributions to Salem.

 

_____________

 

From "Senior Spotlight", Salem City Newsletter, July 2013 -  P 3.