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Ilona Butterfield Obituary
1944-2014
Sandy, UT-Ilona Butterfield, age 69, passed away on March 26, 2014.
Born on October 1, 1944 in Copenhagen, Denmark to Niels Volmer Pedersen and Ida E. Pedersen.
The world lost a very special lady. Many people knew our mother, she was notorious as a mom, grandmother, sister, real estate broker and friend to many. Words cannot express our sorrow, this was completely unexpected. Our mom was quite the character and everyone knew what a unique individual she was; witty, "one of a kind", and with a creative use of language. There were no mixed messages with her, she always told it exactly like she saw it.
Ilona was an amazing woman. Her parents, Ida and Volmer Pedersen worked for two years to be able to immigrate the family to America, a dream of theirs. So in 1959 at the age of 14 they made the long trek across the ocean to America, specifically Utah. In Denmark they had met Mormon missionaries from Utah, they told them that they would find gold in the streets. This same family, the Poulsons, welcomed them once they arrived, and gave them endless support and love.
Ilona was extremely intelligent; not knowing the English language was no issue because she quickly learned. In fact, after testing she was moved up a grade without knowing English. She was always busy and tried to always stay productive.
In 1976, Ilona started her career in real estate and in 1981 after 6 years of award winning production, she opened her own real estate brokerage, Oakview Realtors. She was always known for her hard work and uncompromising ethics in business. She was very proud of her career, being able to help people achieve their dream of owning a home.
Nothing meant more to Ilona than her grandchildren; Alex Day, Spenser Owens and Cole Owens. To put it simply, Ilona's favorite hobbies were her grandchildren! Without fail she attended almost all of her grandchildren's lacrosse games, cheering events, basketball and the list goes on for a long while. Ilona's skills were plentiful; her cooking skills were legendary, people loved going to her home for almost any type of cuisine, especially Danish food. There was always an "open-door" at her home for anyone to drop by for a swim or just a meal. The family spent a great deal of recreation time skiing and attending University of Utah sporting events with her children and grandchildren. Ilona enjoyed traveling with the Utah football team to the Fiesta Bowl and the Sugar Bowl.
Ilona is survived by her two daughters; Sandy Day (Mark) and Sherrie Owens (Kerry), Grandchildren; Alex Day, Spenser Owens and Cole Owens; Sister, Irene Simons (Randy); Nephews, Eddy Simons (Stephani) and Matthew Simons (Brittany); Great Nephews and Nieces (Kaden, Kali, Kamdyn, Ben and Lexi). Danish family; Rita Tofte Nielsen, Jeanne and Claus Frederiksen, Julie and Mark Tofte Johnsen, Christine and Marc Tofte Werup. She was preceded in death by Niels Volmer Pedersen (father), Ida Elna Pedersen (mother).
Graveside services will take place on Friday, April 4th, 2014 at Mountain View Memorial, 3115 East 7800 South at 3:00 pm. Following the Graveside Service there will be an Open House to celebrate the life of Ilona at Market Street Grill - Cottonwood, 2985 E. Cottonwood Parkway from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Please bring your favorite story or fondest memory of Ilona to share.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ilona Butterfield
Sponsored by Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, Cemetery - Cottonwood Heights.
Dale Butterfield
February 3, 2017
I loved being in some of our South High School classes together. Mr. Jared's Algebra class stands out the most as Ilona sat next to me and we shared lots of ideas on how to solve certain problems. She struggled on most of the assignments and math came very easily to me. Her big broad smile always brightened my day and her humor was always appreciated.....she could really touch my funny bones. I'm so glad she married my cousin, Darrel, and only regret we did not get together more often. As you can readily see, they surely made a beautiful family together. I'm glad I got to meet Sandy, Sherrie, their husbands and their amazing children, Alex, Spenser, and Cole. It was great to see Irene again too. It's comforting to know that Ilona is in a far better place. May we all look forward to the day when we are joined together again. God bless and keep you all. I'm sorry I lost the paper I had your phone numbers on. You can call me any time for anything. My cell phone number is 1-801-663-6080. Dale Butterfield
April 9, 2014
April 7, 2014
Thank you for helping me to purchase my first home and first bed! Although I am not still sleeping in the home, I still have at least a portion of the bed that I rest atop every night.
April 7, 2014
Sherrie,
Your mother was such a special person. I will cherish the memories that I shared with you both. Love, Staci
Danelle and Brett Ertmann
April 4, 2014
So sorry for your loss! We are thinking of you.((hugs))
April 4, 2014
I am thinking of many times of laughter, silliness and fun being around Ilona who seemed to have endless energy. She was so proud of you, Sandy and Sherrie and enjoyed your husbands and your children more than most people. She loved you, Irene and Randy and supported Eddy and Stephani and their children, and Matt and Brittney and their children with so many wonderful Christmas memories that will carry on in all your hearts forever. She will be missed by many. Sending my love and support to each of you. Love, Patty Dulle
April 4, 2014
Sandy,Sherrie and Mark,
John and I send our love and condolences. We know how much you all cherished your relationship with your mom. She was a great lady and a wonderful example of strength to her children and grandchildren. Ilona was your biggest fan and your greatest defender...a wonderful mom. That's how we will always remember her.
April 3, 2014
Dear Sandy and Mark,
We are so sorry for your loss of your mother.
Having recently experienced the same, we know the heartbreak you are feeling and our thoughts are with you and your family. Hold dear to your heart all your treasured memories. Kevin and Minda Wood
Suzanne Hodges
April 3, 2014
Our family is heartbroken and our love and prayers go out to all of you. She will be missed very much by all of us on the Juan Diego campus! God Bless each one of you in your time of sorrow.
April 3, 2014
Sandy and Sherrie, My heart breaks for you and your families. What a great lady I loved working with her, she could and did make everyone laugh. May you keep all the great memories of her close to your hearts. XOXOX Love Bonnie Georgelas
Barb Christensen
April 3, 2014
Dear Sandy, Sherry, Irene and families, I was stunned to hear of Ilona's passing. She seemed indomitable, a true force of nature. She was so good to Ralph and I and our family. After all, how many real estate agents would would let a whole family live with them until they could move into their new home? We loved her and are so very sorry for your loss.
Love, Barb Christensen and family
April 3, 2014
My condolences to the family. I had the privilege of working with Ilona for several years. She was fun and hardworking. I will always appreciate my time with her. Thanks Ilona! Mike Christensen
April 2, 2014
We will miss our friendly neighbor in Cascade Park. My wife and I are thankful for her hard work to make our little community a wonderful place to live. We express our sympathies to Ilona's family as they miss this exceptional woman.
Dennis and Dede Johnson
April 1, 2014
We first met Iona at Lake Powell and truly enjoyed visiting and having fun with her. We all lived in the same area and met occasionally at the grocery store and once were invited to her house -- a delight. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. Our condolences to all of you and Godspeed, Iona. Mac & Carole Baade
Elaine Zambos
April 1, 2014
Dear Irene,
I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking about you and your family. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief and this most difficult time.
Robyn Moody
March 31, 2014
My deepest condolences goes out to your family. I never met Ilona, but I spoke to her over the phone on many occasions and she was such an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God bless.
Irene Simons
March 31, 2014
I love you and we'll miss you forever your sister
March 31, 2014
I love you and miss you your sister
Tom and Linda James
March 31, 2014
We will always remember great times shared with Ilona and her family on Lake Powell. She enjoyed life to the fullest and was a fun loving friend that has left behind many friends with wonderful memories, Tom and Linda James (the boat Defiance)
April Tanner
March 31, 2014
Sandy, Sherrie and Irene, I am so very very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your Mother. She was such a wonderful woman. Jeff and I loved her very much. My heart goes out to you all in your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
April
March 31, 2014
Oh, Sherry and family, words cannot express our shock and sorrow to hear of your Mom's passing. She was one of the nicest, most honest and giving people we have ever known. The work she put into helping us find the perfect house, several times, was amazing. She would listen to us and be able to pick out the ones that were just right. She always made it a special thing for us, like the porch table and chairs she bought for us for our current house. I will never look at those again the same way. I will always think of her.
She would always tell us about how her family was doing, and always with joy in her eyes. She was so very proud of you all.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We know she will be terribly missed.
All of our love, Kris and Greg Cates.
March 31, 2014
I can't believe you're gone Ilona - you were always so vivacious and full of life. I'll never forget your laugh and how much fun we had together when Sherrie and I were crazy teenagers hanging around your house :) You were a wonderful mom, grandmother, sister and friend - thank you for all of the great memories and for your patience with us...we will all miss you so much.
Sherrie, Sandy, Irene and family - I'm so sorry for your loss...all of my love to you.
Christy Glines VanCampen
Val and Dale Gleave
March 31, 2014
We will always remember our great times in Mexico on several trips. Also our trips on Lake Powell. Ilona was such fun to be around and had such an enthusiasm for life.
Marci DeHaan
March 31, 2014
Ilona was the best. She was honest, caring, always there for me, a shoulder to cry on, a great listener with good advice, a funny story to share, great sense of humor, the list could go on and on. I will miss her smiling face, our talks, her friendship, her presence. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time, she adored each and every one of you, always sharing her pictures and telling me about all of your accomplishments. She was very proud of all of you. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Heart aches with sadness. Love you Ilona.
Jenee Schneiman
March 30, 2014
Dear sweet Ilona, you always made me smile and laugh every time we met. You are missed and loved... My heart goes out to your family and up to you in the heavens...
March 30, 2014
Ilona,
I will miss you terribly, you were the best boss I never had, just letting me hang out at the office all the time and your encouragement in my hopes & dreams meant a lot. I will not forget all the laughs we shared. I love you
Jeannie Francis
Dana Terry
March 30, 2014
Ilona was one of those people who always had friendly advice if you asked and a little something to chuckle about. In the years I worked for her, she made a lasting impression with her honesty and wisdom and sincere interest in others. Sherrie and Sandy, I will truly miss your mom. My heart goes out to you. With Love, Dana
Bob Imhoff
March 30, 2014
Sandy--my thoughts are with you and your family. Hugs.
March 30, 2014
Ilona was a wonderful lady. She contributed so much to our community. She will be greatly missed
Don and Sharon Gerdy
Rose Family
March 30, 2014
What a beautiful obituary. We can see where her daughters get their work ethic and wit. We are sorry for your loss and are thinking of you during this difficult time. Love all of you. The Rose Family (Garret, Susie, Riley and Casey).
Denny & Gloria Peterson
March 30, 2014
We will miss our wonderful neighbor. She always watched our home as we spent the winter in Texas. Our sympathy to the family
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Graveside service
3:00 p.m.
Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, Cemetery - Cottonwood Heights3115 Bengal Blvd. (East 7800 South SLC), Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
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Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, Cemetery - Cottonwood Heights3115 Bengal Blvd. (East 7800 South SLC), Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
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