Debra Lynn Kahler-Butler

1960 - 2011

Debra Lynn Kahler-Butler May 14, 1960 - April 3, 2011 Brentwood, Ca. Debra was killed in an accident on the Family Farm on April 3. She was born In Bakersfield and grew up in Pleasanton before moving to Sunol. She was married to Cory Butler at the Little Brown Church of Sunol on its 100th anniversary on September 7th 1985. Debra & Cory Moved to Brentwood in 1986. A fearless businesswoman & entrepreneur, she ran her own interiorscaping business, Ornamental Plant Works, she founded at age 17. She had several other business ventures including her U pick cherry orchard on the farm. She touched many during her life. A celebration of her life was held on Saturday April 30th at The Neighborhood Church in Brentwood. Appropriately, it was a standing room only crowd of close to 300 people. She leaves behind Husband of 25 years, Cory, Children, Ethan, Ellie, & Sam, Father, Richard Kahler, and Mother, Diane Kahler of Sonoma, Sister Susan Kahler of Oakland, Sisters Kasey Holman of Houston TX, and Joni Schaefer of New Canaan, CT along with Nieces and Nephews Abby, Mason, Lauren, Christopher, and Spencer. She also leaves behind many close friends, and hundreds of customers she worked with for the past 34 years, who viewed her as a friend, more than just a vendor. As a way to honor her love & connection of kids at risk, the family request donations be made in Debra's name to www.youthomes.org . They are a group that works with kids who have aged out of the foster care system. All donations in Debra's name will be used to grow their "community gardens" project. The Family would also like to thank all who have done so much to help us through this difficult time, many complete strangers. You have inspired us to pay it forward to others.