Attica - Shirley Nancy (VanLeer) Butler, 93, formerly of Attica and had been residing at the Williamsport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, passed away in the center on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. She had been residing there since 2017.
Shirley was born July 3, 1927 at Watkins, Colorado. She was proud to be a cowgirl that grew up on a ranch and lived in the western prairie. Her father was Royal VanLeer, a rancher and farmer. Her mother was Opal (Shaner) VanLeer. A brother, Bill, and a sister, Greta, preceded her in death.
In 1946, Shirley married Rex McMurtrie and moved to his hometown, Attica, Indiana. They had four children: Becky (George) Bordner, Thornton, CO, who died in 2005; Brenda Vaughn, Lafayette; Aleta (Steve) Gibson, Naperville, IL and Bill (Kathy) McMurtrie, Attica. Rex died in 2007.
In 1966 Shirley married Vernon Butler. They moved to Williamsport. They had a daughter, Amber (David) Johnson, who lives in Earl Park, IN. Vernon died in 2000.
Shirley has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Spending time with them was her greatest joy.
Shirley completed her GED from Attica High School.
She loved to sew. She worked several years as a seamstress, doing alterations for Sam Newmark Clothing Store in Attica and also sewed from home. She enjoyed being a care giver to seniors and had previously worked at the Williamsport Senior Center.
She loved to cook for her friends and family. She enjoyed playing cards (to win), collecting antiques, gardening, reading, and especially loved her cat, Miss Kitty.
She will be remembered for her wit, her sense of fun and mischief, her feistiness, her generosity, and her faith.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Williamsport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 200 Short St., Williamsport, IN 47993. The family are extremely grateful for the loving care she received over the past three years by the staff.
A gravesite service will be held at the Bethel Cemetery, east of Attica on Friday, January 29th, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jerry Badgley officiating.