Martena Butler

Garland—Martena Terry Butler, 89, passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2012. Martena was born in Rosedale, Oklahoma, on April 27, 1923, the daughter of William Charles Terry and Zee Marie Moore Terry. She joined an already growing family of siblings. Her birth was a surprise to the Terry parents as neither realized that twins were on the way until “the old country doctor” turned to her father and said, “Bill, I think there’s another one in there.” Five minutes later Martena made her appearance as the identical twin of Paulena. The twins’ bond was formed long before birth and remained strong and true throughout their lives. Six months later the family moved to the Sacramento, California, area (Roseville and Citrus Heights) where they remained. Martena attended grade school and high school in that area. In high school she was active in several clubs, but was best known for her participation in the “Terry Trio,” a trio consisting of her sisters, Ilean and Paulena. Their band/choir leader, Mr. Hogan, encouraged the sisters by transposing about 20 songs into three part harmony. Martena’s love of singing and music continued throughout her life and carried her through happy times, as well as sad times. Martena met her sweetheart, Heber Butler, at the Roseville Ward Sunday School Meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was drawn to her by her beautiful soprano voice and her good looks, while her attention was drawn to his height. As they dated, their attraction soon took a more serious nature. After Heber proposed to Martena, she traveled by train to Tallahassee, Florida, where he was stationed. They were married on November 13, 1942, a lucky Friday, after a Branch Conference in Sink Creek. Five days later Heber was shipped overseas for duty in North Africa. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Temple eleven months later after Heber returned home from combat duty. Thus began a life time of packing up, and moving home and family whenever the Air Force gave “orders.” The many military related moves provided Martena with ample opportunity to serve in various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, primarily in Relief Society and Primary. Some of her Relief Society callings consisted of Spiritual Living teacher for seven years, a counselor, and member of the Singing Mother’s Chorus. She took her role as a Visiting Teacher seriously and served her sisters with compassion and love. She served in various teaching capacities in the Primary. She and Heber also served a two year mission in Guam which required air and boat travel to many of the Micronesian Islands. She loved the people that she served and magnified her various callings in every way. Her testimony remained strong throughout her life. Martena’s youthful desire was to have eight children, four of each gender, and she was blessed to have her dreams fulfilled. She found her greatest joy in raising her family, despite the frequent upheavals due to the moving and challenges of life. She was a gentle, patient mother who always tried her best to instill principles of integrity in her children and later in her grandchildren. She was a righteous example to all. Surviving are her children: Rose Hensley, Brigham City; Michael Butler, Garland; Joyce (Gary) Payne, San Antonio, TX; Mary Louise (Craig) Anderson, Elwood; Joanna Butler, Perry; Mark (Shelly) Butler, Orem; Paul (Trisha) Butler, Collinston; 34 grandchildren and 53 great grandchildren; sisters, Ilean Merrick, LA; Jere Clemmons, CA; Charlene Pope, TX; and brother, Richard Terry, Brigham City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Heber Marsh Butler, her son, David, her parents, and five of her siblings. A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Rudd Funeral Home, at 1234 South Main, Garland. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 14, at the Garland Stake Center, 140 West Factory, at 11:00 a.m. A family viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. at the Garland Stake Center. Interment will be in the Garland Cemetery.