Linda Butler

Linda Richards Butler, 83, passed away peacefully due to Alzheimer’s disease on Feb. 7, 2024. She was born on Sept. 12, 1940, to Rufus Evans "Dick" Richards and Elizabeth Katherine Richards. She grew up riding her horse, “Lemon,” and swinging from the vines in Buffalo Bayou in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Lamar High School, attended SMU, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Texas, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, and met her future husband, John Russell “Russ” Butler. They were married on September 2nd, 1961.

She loved being a member of the Pi Beta Phi where she made many lifelong friends. She was actively involved with the Natural Science Center Guild, the Junior League of Austin, and the Seton Development Board. Linda and Russ received Papal Appointments to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

Linda expressed her creativity through her artwork and furniture business, “Que Lindo,” which necessitated frequent trips to Mexico with her daughter, Libby, and many friends over the years. Linda was an avid reader and was known for her sparkling wit. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, always available at a moment’s notice.

Linda is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Russell Butler, daughter Mary Elizabeth “Libby” Santos, sons Michael Richards “Dick” Butler, and James Mallard Butler, granddaughters Marcella Santos, Elisabeth Bonner Butler, Isabel Francisca Santos, Mary Katherine Butler, Madison Caroline Butler, and great-grandson, Henry Oliver Limond.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the devoted ALZ memory caregivers – Cheryl Rabb, Lisa Almond, Charlie, Ferdinand, Faith, Edna, Vicki, and many others at the “Maravilla at the Domain.” Hospice Austin and Hospice SunCrest also provided meaningful assistance.

Pallbearers: Cooper Limond Ribb, Edwin Oswaldo Garcia, Joseph Hurschel Fiorenza, Juan Mariano Valera, James Mallard Butler, Michael “Dick” Richards Butler.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 203 E. 10th St., Austin, Texas 78701 Thursday, Feb. 22nd. A burial service will be held at 2:00 pm at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH-35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas 78704 on Friday, Feb 23rd.

Should you wish to make a memorial contribution, gifts may be made in Linda’s name to Caritas of Austin, caritasofaustin.org, or the charity of your choice.

Parking Information at Saint Mary Cathedral

• Metered street parking available on E. 10th and nearby streets

• Capitol Tower Parking Garage (paid parking) – Located behind the Cathedral on the corner of San Jacinto Blvd. & East 10th Street. Garage entrance is on San Jacinto Blvd.

• Entrance ramp accessibility is available on the east side of the Cathedral.