Catherine Strebel

Catherine Butters Strebel passed away the morning of Tuesday, October 8, 2024. She was born April 29, 1928, to Tim O. Butters and Gladys Smith Butters. She was big sister to Doris (Doe) and Annette (Ninny). She was known by the names of Kathy and Kay at various times of her life. She lived and attended school in Salt Lake City nine months of the year. She spent the summers working on her father's sheep ranch in Fruitland, Utah. The girls took the role of the boys Grandpa Tim never had. They learned how to work with horses and sheep; build and repair fence; cut hay, haul hay, stack hay, store hay, and feed hay to the animals; she knew how to move and supply sheep camps; the girls also were expected to learn how to cook, clean, sew, and do laundry. The home in Salt Lake provided all the usual comforts of the day, but the ranch was a different story. There was no electricity, so night light was provided by kerosene lamp, candles, or flashlight. As these were expenses, they were used sparingly. They got up with the sun and went to bed with the sun. There was no "indoor" bathroom. Your business was done in the outhouse up the hill or in the chamber pot under the bed. Fresh produce and dairy products were cooled in the water piped to the spring box close to the front door. Fresh meat was hung in the cellar during the day and in the meat house during the night. Food was prepared on the coal stove and the only hot water came from heating it on that same coal stove. The ranch house had no telephone. The nearest one was a pay phone at the general store in Fruitland five miles south. She knew how to work and realized at an early age that each member of a family contributes to the well-being of the family unit. She loved quilting and cooking. She graduated from East High and went to school at LDS Business College where she met a dashing Navy man by the name of John Valentine Strebel. They were married civilly on November 16, 1946. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple about one year later, once Kay was baptized and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they served one mission to Nauvoo, Illinois and another at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. They also served as temple ordinance workers. She served in the Primary, Young Womens, and Relief Society. She was devoted and faithful in ministering to other women. She took in many loads of laundry for women who were facing challenges in their lives. She prepared countless meals for friends and neighbors. Food was one of her love languages. She was a diligent "walker" which contributed to her 96+ years. She loved to gather and celebrate "people." The last six years of her life, she earned the unofficial title of "greeter" at Riverway Assisted Living in South Jordan. The family would like to thank all employees, volunteers, residents, and Branch members of Riverway. She always knew she was loved and cared for there.
She is survived by her six children: Steve, Stan (Mary), Tim (Sue), Cathie (Kelly), Karen (Cavett), and Suzy (Kent); 26 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings; daughter-in-law, Lana Call Strebel; son-in-law, Scott Hathcock; and two grandsons, Blake Strebel and Cameron Rider.
Funeral Services will be held at the South Jordan Parkway 9th Ward building (3200 West 10206 South) on Saturday, October 19, at 11:00 am. A viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:30 am before the service. A viewing will also be held Friday, October 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South). Interment at South Jordan City Cemetery (10630 South 1055 West, South Jordan).