Obituary of Amy Valine Butler Lee

Amy Valine Butler, the fifth child of Mary Hancock and William Franklin Butler, was born 14 February, 1901 Hubbard, Arizona.

She saw her father fill two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this was done under very trying circumstances. The family had to do without much and work together in order that this be done. It never changed her faith in the church.

She was always a happy, pleasant child, and that carried on throughout her life.

She attended schools in Hubbard and later the Gila Academy.

On 2 January, 1900, she married Arthur Lee in Hubbard. This marriage was later solemnized in the Arizona Temple soon after it was dedicated.

From this union were born Arthur Edmond; Thora, who died at three months; Syble; Selma; Zane D; Laveta Valine, who died at three months; and Jerry. They adopted Louise Mae Crunk at the age of 9 months.

They never lost a son or daughter in marriage but gained other children, and these were just as close to them as their own children. She leaves six children, six brothers and sisters, and nine grandchildren.

Wherever they lived, Uncle Art and Aunt Amy were always the hub of Church work. She was capable of fulfilling any job that it was necessary for her to do, and she did this willingly and with love. She was always willing to go to the bedside of those who were ill and gave of her time and talents freely.

They first lived in Hubbard and Glenbar. They spent most of their lives together in the Gila Valley in Ashurst. They moved to Blythe and they helped to organize the Blythe Branch; and before they left, they had helped to build a chapel. While in Blythe, Uncle Art was Branch President; and you know that the success of a man's Church work depends on the help and encouragement of a good woman.

The past year, they have spent in Bylas on a mission among the Indians. They loved these people, and many of them are here today to show their respect for her.

They always took care of the service boys and missionaries. Everyone was welcome in their home, and everyone who came in contact with Amy had their life enriched and made better because of that association with her.

Friends and relatives have come from far today to pay tribute to her. There are people from Blythe, California, from Taylor Arizona, and from every other town they have lived in.

Needed on the Other Side

by Stella Shurtz
in memory of Amy, 20 June, 1951

Hers was a life of near perfection,
While of earth she did reside,
Now she's gone to join God's Kingdom,
She's needed on the other side.

She has been a missionary,
Ever since she was a bride,
Now God's called her for a purpose,
She's needed on the other side.

Because she was so sweet in spirit
God did let her here abide,
Bringing souls unto His Kingdom,
She's needed, now, on the other side.

Many, long, have died in darkness,
Drifted with the human tide,
They're ready now to hear the Gospel,
She's needed on the other side.

They labored, with love, among the Indians,
Her good deeds, she could not hide,
So God said, "Come home, my dear one,
You're needed on the other side.

So your loved one her has taken,
You, that remain, are her joy and pride,
Live as she'd want, and you'll surely join her,
You, too, will be needed on the other side.

Amy was ready to go home. She had visited with all her loved ones and had remarked that the promises of her patriarchal blessing were literally fulfilled.

Her death occurred 19 June 1951 at 3 o'clock in Wallace Idaho. It was an accident that could not be explained by anyone; and as her son George said, it seemed that she had stood there looking at the beautiful scenery and waited for our Heavenly Father to take her home. She lived a full and happy life.

From her parents was instilled in her a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that never altered but grew stronger throughout her life. "We walk in joy thru sorrow if our path is lighted by faith."

People are of two kinds, and she was of the kind I'd like to be.
Some preach their virtues, and a few express their lives by what they do.
That sort was she. No flowery phrase or fluent spoken words of praise
Won friends for her. She wasn't cheap or shallow, but her course ran deep.
And it was pure--you know the kind. Not many in a life you find
Whose deeds outrun their words so far that more than what they seem they are.

There are two kinds of lies as well--the kind you live, the ones you tell.
Back through her years from age to youth, she never acted one untruth.
Out in the open light she fought and didn't care what others thought--
Nor what they said about her fight, if she believed that she was right.
The only deeds she ever hid were acts of kindness that she did.

People are of two kinds, and she was of the kind I'd like to be.
No door at which she ever knocked, against her womanly form was locked.
If ever woman on earth was free and independent, it was she.
No broken pledge lost her respect; she met all men with head erect.
And when she passed, I think there went a soul to yonder firmament
So white, so splendid, and so fine, it came almost to God's design.

--Adapted from He was a Man by Edgar A. Guest

The funeral services for Amy Valine Butler Lee were conducted June 26, 1951 in the high school of Fort Thomas by Brother William Tyler, at 5 O'clock. The Pima Singing Mothers sang 'Sister, Thou Art Sweet and Lovely," after which James Smith opened with prayer. The obituary was read by Beth Ellsworth. The funeral sermon was by President Harry L. Payne of the Arizona Temple. A special number was rendered by Stella Shurtz and Miss Carter, "Beyond the Sunset." The Pima Singing Mothers sang "Lead Me Gently Home." Brother __________ of Ft. Thomas closed.

At the Hubbard cemetery, Brother Howard dedicated the grave. She was buried at sunset.