Ronald Robert Butler

September 11, 1927 ~ July 16, 2020

Ronald Robert (Pat) Butler, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 16 in Monticello of natural causes.

He was born September 11, 1927 in Horsehead, a small community east of Monticello, to Harvey Jay Butler and Hattie Mae Miller Butler. He attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse in Horsehead with one teacher for grades 1-8. 

He moved to California for a few years and then returned to Monticello to attend Monticello High School.

Pat married his long-time friend and sweetheart Marva Johnson on September 3, 1948, and they lived in Monticello where they raised their four children.

Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 29, 1971.

Pat was a wonderful husband and father, always working hard but making time to have fun with his family. He was very athletic and adventurous. He loved picnics, camping, snow skiing, water skiing, motorcycling, snowmobiling, games, and just about anything fun. 

He was known for his teasing, joking, and making everyone feel loved and cared about.  

Pat was known for his incredible mechanical abilities, which he used for the benefit of many. He could repair or build almost anything, often manufacturing his own parts and tools in order to do so. 

He helped design and build shuttle buggies for the mining industry.  He invented and built many useful, unique things in his shop.

Pat was an excellent farmer, raising wheat and beans for many years. He received the Farmer of the Year Award in 2002. He also drilled many water wells in the area.

He spent many years snowmobiling in the surrounding mountains. He forged many close friendships during these trips and cherished the experiences he had with family and friends.

Pat enjoyed working on the snowmobiles as much as riding them and spent many hours helping others with their repairs.

Pat served his family, church, and community throughout his life.  He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, wisdom, and his optimistic outlook on life. He lived his life in a humble, unpretentious, quiet way that had huge, far-reaching effects on all who got to know him.

Pat is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years, Marva; his children Patricia (Jim) Camberlango of American Fork, Pauline (Matt) Peterson of Bountiful, Randy (Laura) Butler of Monticello, Troy (Rachel) Butler of Monticello; 26 grandchildren; 78 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elsa Bell Cordas; his grandson, Aaron Butler; and his granddaughter, Kara Peterson.

Graveside services and interment were held July 22 at the Monticello City Cemetery.

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