Elva Butterworth

ELVA BUTTERWORTH Click here to view Elva's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Elva Butterworth, 81, of Idaho Falls, passed away on November 13, 2009, from complications of Multiple Sclerosis. She was born June 11, 1928, in Woodville, Idaho, to Lewis K. Anderson and Eva Mae Mathews Anderson. She graduated from Shelley High School. The love of her life was her husband, William R. Butterworth, whom she married on January 19, 1956. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 10, 1961. Elva's children, Kenneth, Roger, and David Messmer were sealed to them at that time as well as their children, Steven and Laurie Butterworth. Janet was later born to them. This eternal family was mom's greatest joy. She was constantly aware of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She never failed to send cards on birthdays, Valentine's Day and other special events. She always remembered family members and friends who had passed away. In spite of the difficulties of her illness, she maintained numerous scrapbooks and photo albums of her family and friends. She and Bill were members of the 13th Ward for 52 years. She served faithfully in a variety of church calling s and spoke affectionately of her MIA Maids and Laurels as well as Grandmothers' Relief Society. Even when friends moved form the ward they maintained contact with them. A friend of mom was a friend forever. She treasured her special friends who were like sisters to her. Three generations of her family remember fondly the countless songs she had committed to memory and sang lovingly to them. Songs such as "Darling Nellie Gray,"“Two Little Maids," "Old Shep," and "Little Purple Pansies" have become treasured family gems. Several years ago she wrote the words from memory so they could be passed along to her descendants. Mom loved to cook, bake, sew, clean, and work in her flower beds. She loved to read and share books with her friends. Survivors include her husband, William, of Idaho Falls: children, Kenneth (Linda) Messmer of Orem, Utah; David (Marilyn) Messmer of South Jordan, Utah; Steven (Lorie) Butterworth, Laurie Butterworth, and Janet (Todd) Shepherd, all of Idaho Falls; 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren as well as a sister, Beulah (Ralph) Kelsch. A son, Roger, preceded her in death. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at the Idaho Falls North Stake Center, 955 Memorial Drive, with Bishop Greg Poulter officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., and Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Keith Hanson kbrehans@yahoo.com Bill, We're sorry to hear about Elva's passing -- we will miss her. You've been a good companion for and taken good care of her for many years. We've missed you both at the Shelley Senior Center. We send our love. Keith & Reva Hanson Janice [Clement] and Robert Gardner Dear Bill, Kenny, David, and family, A flood of memories and love filled my heart when I received word from Morgan and Trish that Elva has passed away. Years long gone by in reality seemed very recent in my memory. We will miss Elva because Mom always kept us informed when she had visited with her on the phone or in a note. May you feel the comfort of our Heavenly Father during this sacred family time. Love, Robert and Janice Gardner Marlene Seedall Dave -- we're so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom . . . it's a sad thing to lose someone you love --- but all your memories of her will bless you forever. Steve and Marlene Seedall