Mar. 25, 1927 - Aug. 11, 2016
Date of Service: Aug. 16, 2016
Merrill Butterfield
RUPERT – Merrill Butterfield, age 89, of Rupert, died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at his home.
Merrill was born March 25, 1927, in Riverton, Utah, to Thomas Solomon and Martha Elizabeth Bowlden Butterfield. He attended High School at Jordan High School in Sandy, Utah. After completing his education, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During WWII he served aboard the USS Washington, USS Houston, and the USS Macon, in both the Asiatic Pacific and Atlantic Fleets. At the time of his discharge from the Marine Corps, he held the rank of Sergeant.
Following his service to his country, he met his sweetheart, May Merlene Bodell. They were married on Oct. 13, 1949, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. During Merrill and May’s early marriage, he worked as a sheep herder and in the mining industry. In 1958, they drew a homestead north of Paul. Merrill and May continued to farm until their retirement. Through the years they have also lived in Herriman, Utah, Yuma, Ariz., and Mesquite, Nev. Often times Merrill would joke that being a grandpa and grandma was a full-time job.
Merrill enjoyed gardening, telling jokes, playing Black Jack, traveling and being a farmer. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, May; his son, Lee Butterfield, and his daughter, Amy Butterfield, both of Rupert; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ben Butterfield; and one daughter, Maida Lawrence.
A memorial service will be held at 1p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 East 16th Street, in Burley with Bishop Kelly Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Rupert Cemetery, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.
We as a family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Minidoka Memorial Hospital, especially Diane with Home Health and Hospice, for their outstanding care and patience with our husband, father and grandfather.
Lastly, we would like to thank all of the family, friends and neighbors for their continuous support and love.
