Sandra Kay Butler

Born on August 3, 1943, Kay grew up in southern Iowa, attending school in Jerome and Seymour. A little-known fact: During her high school years, she recorded an album with her sisters—if anyone has a copy, please let the family know!

In 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Doug Butler. They made their home in Bettendorf for over 60 years, raising three daughters and cherishing time with family. They enjoyed memorable family vacations, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii and Australia. In later years, they loved road trips to Florida, preferring to drive rather than fly. Kay especially loved seeing tropical flowers and palm trees and adding to her amazing shell collection. Dedicated Bettendorf High School football fans, Kay and Doug were once honored as BHS Fans of the Year and proudly rode in the homecoming parade. Kay worked at BHS in the library for over 20 yrs.

Her hobbies included decorating, collecting antiques, tending her flowers, reading, and caring for her home.

Kay’s love language was food— known for “grandma’s noodles” and baking, she made Christmas especially magical. She also introduced cherished traditions, including the German custom of hiding the Christmas pickle in the tree for the grandkids (whoever found it got to open the first present) and serving Brandy Alexanders on Christmas Eve for the adults.

More than anything, Kay was immensely proud of her eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to show off their photos, share their accomplishments, and boast about the wonderful people they were becoming.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands (whom she lovingly called “her boys”): Lori and Dennis Born, Deb and Scott Wagner, and Nicole and Howard Stanton, along with her beloved grandchildren: Tyler (Dana) Born, Kelsey (Phil) Bohle, Drew (Jasmine) Wagner, Emily (Jake) Terry, Annika Knudsen, Macey Knudsen, Evelyn Knudsen, and Sarah (Trent) Reiman. She also leaves behind her two cherished great-grandsons, Troy and Jack, and her sister, Darlene Ann White.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Douglas F. Butler Jr, her parents, Gerald and Eva Shriver, and her sister, Janette Barber.

In keeping with Kay’s quiet and private nature, the family will honor her wishes with a small, private graveside service for the immediate family only. Kay will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park, reunited for eternity with her beloved Doug.

May Kay rest in God’s heavenly peace. Her love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. · Online: https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

· By mail: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011