Cleo Butts

Cleo Lucile Butts, 97, of Topeka, entered her eternal rest on Thursday, April 28, 2011. She was born October 17, 1913 in rural Jewell County, KS, the daughter of Manzo Allen and Winnie Malinda (Lotspeich) Hockett. She attended school at Randall and graduated from high school with honors in 1932. Cleo married Lewis E. Butts on November 11, 1936 in Glen Elder, KS. After a few moves, they settled in Topeka in 1943. Cleo was active in the Home Demonstration Unit and was busy raising her family of three boys and one girl. She worked for the State of Kansas from 1961 to 1975, when she retired. Lewis and Cleo spent time in Texas several winters, were active in the Good Sams and served as editors of the State Newsletter for eight years. She served as president of the Womens Fellowship of the Rochester Community Church of the Brethren, quilted with the Womens Fellowship and at home. Cleo also crocheted many hats and mittens that were donated to various charities. Their volunteer activities include Rochester Community Church of the Brethren in various capacities, Cub Scouts, and Topeka North Outreach. Lewis and Cleo moved to Presbyterian Manor in 2007 and have participated in the activities as they were able. The staffs care and concern for Cleo have been a real blessing. Cleo is survived by her husband, Lewis; two sons, Robert (Regina) Butts, Mayetta, KS and David (Barbara) Butts, Topeka; a daughter, Charlotte (Chuck) Lesnet, Liberty, MO; daughter-in-law Sandra Butts, Mankato, MN; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Lewis Duane Butts, and two brothers Dallas Hockett and Gloe Hockett. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Monday, May 2, 2011 at the Rochester Community Church of the Brethren, 3201 NW Rochester Rd., Topeka, KS 66617. Interment will follow at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka. Mrs. Butts will lie in state after 2 p.m., Sunday at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Rochester Community Church of the Brethren, Midland Hospice Care of Kansas, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or Topeka Presbyterian Manor, 4712 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.