Doris Butler

Doris Straub Butler was born July 11, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA, to Harry and Edith Straub who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles Butler, her eight children Terri (Bill) Ives of Media, PA; Linda (George) Laskaris of Honeybrook, PA; Geoff (June) Butler of Locust Grove; Craig (Lori) Butler, Cheryl (Robert) Pace, Audrey (Mick) Webber, Stacey Butler, and Chris (Jill) Butler all of Claremore. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Mellon of Broomall, PA; in-laws Judy and Roger Easter of Brick, NJ; and many nieces and nephews.

She was extremely proud of her 20 grandchildren: Aaron and Amy Cylinder; Michael Martin, Cristin Young and Olivia Laskaris; Debra Armstrong, Dayna Mabe, Devyn Timmons, Robert Scott, Dannielle Parnell, Magen Willis, Brooke Horawa, Tiffany Butler; Kayla and Kylie Butler; Kyle and Brian Cagle, Quinn Pace; Matt, Andrew and Alex Webber; Parker and Josh Butler. She also had 19 great-grandchildren.

As a young woman, Doris participated in drum and bugle corps. In 1950, as an instructor, she led her color guard to the national championship in St. Louis. It was the love of the drum and bugle corps that inspired many young women to participate in drill teams. She was director for the Norwood Girl’s Club Blue Beret Drill Team in Norwood, PA, in which all five of her daughters participated.

It was her love of working with children that led her to a career with 4-H. She worked for the Delaware County 4-H Club in Pennsylvania for many years. All eight of her children were actively involved and she was proud of the fact that each of them learned to cook and sew.
In 1977, Doris and Charles moved their family to Claremore and she immediately immersed herself in the community. She began a career with the OSU Extension Office as 4-H program coordinator. Following her employment, Doris continued to volunteer with the 4-H kids, even forming a Clover Buds group for her own grandchildren to participate.

Doris spent many years as a dedicated volunteer, support group coordinator, and board member for the American Diabetes Association. She had a special love for the women of the Harmony Star HCE group, and the Claremore Regional Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church where she served as a reader. Recently, she became a volunteer mentor with the PAL program.

Doris loved to write, read, and watch Philadelphia sports teams. She and Charles stayed busy attending grandkids events, and enjoyed their annual trips to Pennsylvania to visit family and friends.

A celebration of her life is scheduled for Monday, March 4th at 10am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Visitation with family is Sunday, March 3rd 4-7pm at Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Funeral Home, with prayer service at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to the Volunteers for Youth PAL program, 1700 S. Lynn Riggs Claremore, OK 74017.