Sandra 'Sandy' Lee Butler, 72
Sandra “Sandy” Lee Butler of East Hope, Idaho, passed away, with her family at her side, on June 12, 2019, at age 72 at Bonner General Hospital. She was born on October 26, 1946, in O’Neill, Nebraska, to Daniel N. Bausch and Ruth G. Meadows Bausch.
Sandy spent her early childhood in Lewiston, Idaho, and Julietta, Idaho, before moving to Orofino, Idaho, in 1954. Her family fondly remembers her as being a very gymnastic child. She was also involved in many activities, including band, GAA (Girls Athletic Association), dance band, pep club, annual staff, school newspaper, and drama. She graduated from Orofino High School in 1965. She shot her first elk on her 21st birthday while hunting with her dad.
Sandy spent nearly her whole career working for the Clearwater National Forest, including stations at Powell, Pierce, Sheep Mountain, Canyon, and Orofino. While waiting for a ride to the Canyon Ranger Station in 1966, she met Ed Butler for the first time. She and the cook (Sandy was the cook’s helper) hitched a ride one day with Ed’s survey crew. The two of them were seen holding hands by the end of the week. They got married on February 22, 1968, at the Baptist Church in Orofino, Idaho. During Ed’s years of military service, she visited him a few times, including during the Vietnam war for R&R in Kauai, Hawaii (December of 1968). They bought their first home together in 1970 on Chase’s Flats near Orofino, Idaho, where they raised their three kids. Sandy resigned from the Forest Service after a few years to become a stay-at-home mom until the Forest Service convinced her to come back to work for them as the District Clerk for the Canyon Ranger District. She retired from the Forest Service in 1994.
In 1997, Ed also retired from the Forest Service. The couple then moved to East Hope, Idaho. Sandy worked at Hi-Hopes Market briefly before becoming the city clerk for East Hope. She was city clerk until 2004, when macular degeneration deteriorated her vision enough that she traded jobs with her assistant. She fully retired in 2007. Ed and Sandy continued contributing to the community even after retirement, including donating property for the fire station (current City Hall) and serving the city as volunteers.
Sandy’s world revolved around her family; she raised three fantastic kids, which her husband lovingly attributes to her. As one of the most loving, caring, and selfless individuals, it was impossible for her to not be loved and admired by everyone she touched. Her sense of humor was known far and wide, such as leaving “rubber nuts” at bars, rocking Billy Bob teeth, and always having a joke to share. This fun spirit made her the heart of entertainment, including playing cards, acey-deucey, big ball bocce, Christmas bingo with the grandkids, or beating everyone in leg wrestling. She was also known for her love of the casino, where she always seemed to magically walk away with winnings. Some of the fondest family memories are from the years they spent on Dworshak Reservoir, where Ed, Sandy, and their three kids would go out boating nearly every weekend to spend time as a family. Her family and friends will forever cherish the time they spent with her and will never forget all the special memories.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Ed Butler, of East Hope; her brother, Dennis (and Kim) Bausch, of Boise, Idaho; her sister-in-law, Colleen Bausch, of Lewiston, Idaho; her children, Jeff (and Shelly) Butler of Gales Ferry, Connecticut, Rick (and Melissa) Butler of Portland, Texas, and Barbie (and Cliff) Miller of Potlatch, Idaho; eight grandchildren, Ryan Butler, Daya Butler, Jacob Pullin, Luke Pullin, Lindsey Pullin, Alyssa (and Luke) Johnson, Phylicia Miller, and Dylan Miller; three great-grandchildren, Kayden Kramer, Kassandra Kramer, and Charlie Miller; cousins, nieces, nephews and an abundant number of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Woody Bausch.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on July 27, 2019, at 402 Pringle Ave, East Hope. All of Sandy’s family and friends are invited to come together to reminisce and celebrate her life. Memorial donations may be made to the Hope Cemetery Committee or Community Cancer Services in Sandpoint, Idaho. Despite having vision problems of her own, Sandy’s legacy of giving continues through her generous decision to be a cornea donor to restore sight to the blind.
Family and friends are invited to sign Sandy’s online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.