Jerry

Our wonderful father, Gerald "Jerry" Neri Butler passed away on January 28, 2022, at his beloved ranch at the age of 78 due to the effects of a stroke, surrounded by his loved ones who will continue to be a credit to his legacy by living their lives to the fullest with honor and integrity. Jerry was born February 15, 1943, to Neri and Ethel Butler in Wendell, Idaho, the third of three sons. Shortly after he was born the family returned to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where they lived until Jerry was five. The family then moved to Kuna, Idaho, where he would spend the majority of his life. It was there that he met Evelyn "Kay" Shawver, the love of his life and his eternal sweetheart. From the first day of their marriage until he passed, they were rarely separated. Mom and Dad settled into farm life in Kuna, where they remained until Dad fulfilled his lifelong dream and purchased their ranch in Harper, Oregon. During their almost 60 years together here on earth, Jerry and Kay welcomed into their family eight of the most adorable, witty children ever born (Dad would probably add that we might be stubborn and loud as well . . . ). His children were a source of some of his greatest joys, but we could also bring out the famous "Jerry Butler sigh" without too much effort (if you have been the recipient of one of Dad's exasperated sighs . . . you know what we mean).The simplest pleasures in life brought great happiness to Dad. He loved his family, Coca Cola, the outdoors, horses, flying airplanes, and spending time in the mountains. The stories of the summers he spent taking pack horses into Big Creek are part of family legend. His patience in letting his daughters and then his granddaughters practice their hair and makeup techniques on him highlighted his fun loving personality (he wasn't quite as willing to allow photographic evidence of this . . . but we have it anyway). Dad also loved to laugh, loved to tease, and always enjoyed a good Western. And if John Wayne was in it . . . all the better. His other great love was the gospel of Jesus Christ and he served others faithfully as a member of the LDS Church, including as a temple worker in both the Boise LDS and Meridian LDS Temples for the past 14 years of his life, side by side with Mom. Jerry is survived by his wife Kay, children - Darryl, Jayme (Janine), Becky Munger (Cody), Christopher (Sarah), Ryan (Elizabeth), Justin (Julia) and Michelle Hillier (Stephen); as well as 47 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, his older brothers Louis and Delbert, sisters-in-law Linda, Dale Lynn, and Jan, and brother-in-law Tim. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kay's parents, three sisters-in-law, and his daughter Monica. In his passing, we know without a doubt that Dad had a reunion that was filled with unspeakable joy as he embraced those he has missed so dearly in this life . . . but we also know he felt some sadness as he will be separated for a time from the one person he loved more than anyone else in all of eternity . . . our sweet mother. Our testimony and knowledge of the eternal nature of families gives us comfort as we know we will one day be together again and hear Dad tell his stories and laugh and laugh and laugh. We love ya, Dad! A celebration of his life will be held at the Kuna LDS Church building at 224 Avalon in Kuna, Idaho, on Saturday, February 12, 2022. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. with the funeral at 11:00. A graveside service will follow at the Kuna Cemetery. A ZOOM link has been provided for family and friends who are unable to attend the services.https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83634654357?pwd=VnMxOGg2RWFEMmhSbmFWWVZIQWxoZz09