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Elizabeth Butler Obituary
March 16, 1974 - February 26, 2013
A Resident of Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz Police Department Detective Elizabeth Chase Butler was shot and killed while conducting a police investigation on Branciforte Avenue in Santa Cruz, California on February 26th, 2013. Elizabeth is a longtime resident of Santa Cruz, having first come to the city to attend the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1992. The 38-year-old was a ten-year veteran of the Santa Cruz Police Force, who had attained the rank of Detective in Charge of Sex Crimes Investigations. Elizabeth excelled at interviewing both suspects and victims. She was also known for her detailed and comprehensive reports and her impressive testimony in court. Her passion to help others grew as she handled more and more cases with child and female victims. During her years as an officer of the SCPD, she also worked on a drug task force, a hostage negotiations team, and on several homicide investigations.
Elizabeth was born on March 16th, 1974 in Boulder, Colorado. She was the youngest daughter of Gerald Butler, a Northrop Grumman fluid mechanics engineer, who is deceased, and Louise Butler, a retired teacher at Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, California. Elizabeth attended St. Margaret Mary Grade School in Lomita, California, Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California, and University of California in Santa Cruz. After receiving her Bachelor's Degree in 1996 in Community Studies from UCSC with special projects at the La Familia Center and the Homeless Garden Project, Elizabeth found employment at Lenders for Community Development in San Jose, where she was trained to help minority small business owners obtain start up loans. Eventually, she moved to San Francisco for three years and began working for Wells Fargo Bank. After the tragedy of 9-11, Elizabeth and her long-time partner Peter Wu, presently a Santa Cruz Metro employee, moved back to Santa Cruz and started the Clay Digs, a ceramics studio on Swift Street. In 2003, Elizabeth was accepted into the Santa Cruz Police Department.
Elizabeth is survived by her much loved partner Peter Wu and their two sons Joaquin Wu, age 5 #189; and Stellan Wu, age 2 #189;. Many people in the city of Santa Cruz know Elizabeth and her family through Musical Me classes, WPENS preschool classes, and the couple's former ceramics business, The Clay Digs. Elizabeth is also survived by her mother, Louise, and her adored sister Alexis Butler, a Film Production teacher at Culver City High School in Culver City, California. Elizabeth also leaves behind her much admired 91-year-old grandmother, Nelda Osborne, a retired high school art teacher who resides in Lake Oswego, Oregon. In addition, Elizabeth was especially close to her uncles and aunts, Chase and Wynne Osborne of Bend, Oregon, and Peter and Terry Osborne of Portland, Oregon. She was particularly close to her five cousins: Alex Osborne of Berkeley, California, Peter Osborne of Huntington Beach, California, Ally Kreuger of San Francisco, California, Casey Rodhouse of Bend, Oregon, and Louise Osborne of Portland, Oregon. She was much loved by her uncle Frank Butler of New Orleans and by her partner's aunt and uncle, Sam and Hayley Chan of British Columbia, Canada.
A Funeral Service honoring slain officers Elizabeth Butler and Loran "Butch" Baker will take place on March 7th, Thursday, at 12 noon at the HP Pavillion, 525 W. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, Ca (www.hppsj.com). All are invited. Many dignitaries will be speaking. A Mass of Christian Burial, for her family and friends, will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 210 High Street, Santa Cruz on Friday, March 8th at 10:00 A.M. The celebrant for the Mass wil be The Most Reverent Bishop Richard J. Garcia, Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Elizabeth's memory are preferred to the "Baker/Butler Scholarship Fund, Acct. #9992451154" care of any Wells Fargo Bank or to the "Santa Cruz Police Officers Association" c/o Bay Federal Credit Union, 333 Clares St, Capitola 95010
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Butler
Frankie Medina
April 20, 2017
It seems like only yesterday when baker and officer butler laid their lives to protect and serve, us we owe you a great deal of gratitude. That words just can't cover.I will never forget that day and how sad I felt. Everyone lost something that day. But especially your kids and family and your fellow officers.and the community. This brought us together as a family and I take comfort in knowing we have good cops like butch and butler who made the ultimate sacrifice. they laid down their lives for us. And I am proud of those two Bs,there real heroes. From holy cross.
Suzanne Moreno
September 27, 2013
So very sorry for your family's loss. Especially your partner & small children. Though your life was cut short by this horrific tradgedy, you have left behind an amazing legacy. Pray that God will comfort the hearts of your family & friends.
April 28, 2013
Still thinking about you & your family every day. I pray for all of you daily & will do so the rest of my life. Rest in peace & may your family know that we care & think about them daily.
Jay
April 26, 2013
Although entries to this guestbook are slowing down, I just wanted to let Elizabeth and her family know that I think, very often, about the beautiful life lost, but not forgotten. I live here in Santa Cruz and everytime I see a police officer, I see Elizabeth and Butch Baker IN them. I always will, so rest in peace, sweet one.
Lynn Hutton
April 25, 2013
Missing you every day, Beth...
Marianne Harris
April 11, 2013
may your beauty shine on forever in the lives of your children and your partner. Namaste
April 11, 2013
Beth, I have never had the opportunity to meet you personally but I know you were a patron of the Scotts Valley library toting along your two young ones. I am a volunteer there and I see your memorial on the book shelf and I feel close to you. I pray that your family finds peace in their hearts in your memory as you are a true hero in Santa Cruz and beyond......MH Scotts Valley
April 9, 2013
You will never be forgotten in our Santa Cruz community, Elizabeth. Thank you for all you are and will be...protecting and guiding us through your gentle and kind spirit.
Sgt. Kevin Foree
April 7, 2013
From all of us at Bay Cities Patrol thank you...
Kevin Foree
April 6, 2013
Just wanted to say what a loss to the community. We keep you Elizabeth & Buch, and your family's in our thoughts and prayers. You where in law enforcement for all the right reasons. Our thoughts and simpothy go out to the men and women of the Santa Cruz Police Dept. thank you for your excellent service...
... ...
March 25, 2013
We are still thinking about you & your family. God Bless all of you. We will never forget you.
Jim Howes
March 23, 2013
I drop in here frequently to visit and reflect on the comments left by so many. I appreciate you Elizabeth and all you brought to this world and profession. I know you family struggles with your absence daily and pray for their continued healing. Thank you.
BH
March 19, 2013
I'm so sorry to Elizabeth's family especially to her Partner Peter and her two beautiful boys. Even though we didn't know Elizabeth, she was a loving mother and someone who cared about her family & community. We think about her and her family every day. We offer prayers for her loved ones, friends and co-workers. Our hearts are heavy and we will never forget her sacrifice for our community. May you rest in peace.
Jay
March 18, 2013
Elizabeth, even though I never met you and your family, something happened to me when you left us that day. Since then, my heart has been so heavy for all the loved oned that you left behind and you have taught me to live well and to be kind...every day. Thank you for your service to our community. Peace to you and your family.
March 16, 2013
I never met Elizabeth, but today I hold her, and her family, in my heart, on her birthday. I am grateful for her compassion and her service to Santa Cruz. I will not forget her sacrifice, and I wish her family strength, peace and healing.
Peter
March 16, 2013
3/16/2013
Happy birthday, Beth. We love you and miss you so much.
March 16, 2013
Lorena
March 13, 2013
Thank you for the wonderful dedication and hard work that you accomplished for the community of Santa Cruz. Your legacy will live on in the lives of people that you helped throughout the years. Our prayers are with your family, that they will continue to heal. Your devoted life as a police officer, mom and partner will never be forgotten.
kayla
March 11, 2013
My prayers are with you Beth & your family. May your spirit live on. Santa Cruz will never forget you <3
Cathy Lemeshewsky
March 11, 2013
Beth I just learned yesterday that you were the kind, gentle Mom we sat next to in Music Together class. I am so sorry you were taken away from your beautiful children and family. May they always feel your presence and guidance.
Jim Howes
March 10, 2013
You brought beauty and professionalism to the the police profession. I only worked with you briefly and will never forget your smile and spirit. Please don't turn the page on this tragic story, don't complete the chapter too soon and certainly don't complete the book. Ever.
March 8, 2013
Geri Gibson
March 8, 2013
God Bless you Beth you have no idea how you have you have affected us all. Would have loved to have known you.
Debra Jacobson
March 8, 2013
I will always remember her kindness and gentle spirit.
Stephanie Ivanov
March 8, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Butterworth
March 8, 2013
You will always be remembered .
Lynn Allan
March 8, 2013
I loved the elaborate scone-making ritual that you and Alexis had together...really good scones...and the laughter coming from the kitchen....
Beverly Menehan
March 8, 2013
I did not know you or Detective Baker, but I want to extend my thanks to both of you for all you have done for our community. I wish the best for your families in the times ahead. May you rest in peace.
SHARON FARIAS
March 7, 2013
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS, SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART FOREVER.
D Liotta
March 7, 2013
Santa Cruz families thank you. you will not be forgotten.
RIP
Martha Anzures
March 7, 2013
I wish I could express the sorrow I feel, just knowing you are bearing a loss so profound, may it comfort you to know that I care... please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. May God be with you & your children on this hour of grief.
Lisa Smith
March 7, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. May you experience God's peace and healing as you go forward. Please know that you and those beautiful children are not alone.
Rubi Lowy
March 7, 2013
my deepest condolences, to the family and friends. may you have peace and never know pain again. All of us in Santa Cruz are in great debt to you. Elizabeth was a true hero. God bless.
Tiffany
March 7, 2013
With deep sympathy, I thank you for your service to the community. May God bless your family. Thank you for your sacrifice.
E
March 7, 2013
To the family of Elizabeth,
Many people are holding you in their hearts right now. May you receive lots of loving support during this difficult time.
March 7, 2013
You had it all.... a partner and family who loved you, a job you loved, and you were so competent and beautiful. You are the kind of police we need. I am so sorry and will never understand why the good die, especially young with young families. You would have been so proud today... there was so much love for you. And Peter's good-bye was achingly beautiful, full of true, deep love, wisdom and showing strength for the future of your beloved sons and family.
March 7, 2013
I knew Elizabeth Butler slightly, in both her professional & personal capacities, but even that tangential acquaintance is enough to make the loss seem personal. Her sister, Alexis Butler, & her partner, Peter Wu, spoke eloquently at today's memorial. To them, to the rest of the family, to Detective Butler's friends & professional colleagues: those of us on the periphery share a part of your loss, albeit only a trace. She will not be forgotten.
Sharon Romanowsky
March 7, 2013
The pain is deep for so many of us Beth and yet I have still sensed your presence. Your light burns on and cannot be extinguished.
Regina Poerio
March 7, 2013
God bless you Det. Butler. Thank you for your service.
Mary Anderson
March 7, 2013
For Peter and your sons, you now have a Guardian Angel looking over the three of you! Take care of each other.
Louise Demateo
March 7, 2013
Our Deepest sympathy.
March 7, 2013
My condolonces to the family
Not only did Elizabeth serve and sacrifice so did her family- Thank you
Diane
March 7, 2013
I send you love and deep gratitude for the incredible work of Elizabeth. The eternal gift is to the world.
Scott Crandall
March 7, 2013
I never met you; but I know you. A friend who worked for the Redwood City Police Department lost his life in the line of duty. Though off duty at the time, he prevented an armed robbery, losing his life in the process but saving that of the clerks and bystanders. Thank you for your services, trying to keep my friends in Santa Cruz safe, and putting yourself in harms way each day.
Lisa Nielson
March 7, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family of this slain hero! I am so very thankful for all that these brave officers sacrifice to keep people safe. May God be with you as you rest in Heaven and with your family.
The Hodges
March 7, 2013
Our deepest condolences for the loss of the families, department, and community. Two stars that will shine ever-so-brightly are new in the sky.
March 7, 2013
MY HEART GOES OUT THE PARTNER AND CHILDREN OF ELIZABETH AND TO HER SISTER AND FAMILY ...
JOANNE VARGAS
March 7, 2013
TO ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ELIZABETH,MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES, GOD BLESS...
March 7, 2013
my prayers go out to you all. My condolences to the family and friends of this beautiful lady. God Bless
Elizabeth Holly Scalia
March 7, 2013
Heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and coworkers of both Santa Cruz PD Officer Butler, she served and protected the Santa Cruz Community with honor. RIP
Patricia Hryhorysak
March 7, 2013
I am so very sorry at the death of this beautiful, dedicated officer. She is a hero and her memory will live forever.
Clayton Boyer
March 7, 2013
My heart, soul, thoughts and prayers are with the entire Santa Cruz Police Department members and the families of the fallen detectives....rest in peace, always remembered and NEVER forgotten!
Cezar A. Perez
March 7, 2013
May you rest in peace my sister in arms in the loving presence of God. My deepest sympathy to your children and husband.
R Whitley
March 7, 2013
It was an honor and pleasure to know you. Everyday I place my Badge on my chest it will be in memory of you and all of the officer who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Rus
March 7, 2013
Beth: We will always fight the fight. It was a pleasure to work with you on HNT.
Jay
March 6, 2013
Thank you, Detective Butler. Your family and friends will take you with them, in their hearts, always. You are in mine. Such a sweet soul. We will miss you.
P & I Argel
March 6, 2013
Thank you
Judi Roering
March 6, 2013
RIP Detective Butler; you are a Hero. My deepest sympathies to your family.
March 6, 2013
Mahalo Det. Butler
E ho'omaha me ka maluhia (Rest In Peace)
Mike Foster
March 6, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends. Thank you for your service to our community.
Kate Clark
March 6, 2013
Thank you for your service to our community.
Sarah
March 6, 2013
Thank you for your service Det. Butler. May you rest in peace. You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 6, 2013
Martine
March 6, 2013
My heart breaks for Detective Elizabeth Butler's two young, sweet boys and family. She was a amazing person, civil servant, and it was a pleasure to get to know her briefly. There a no words to express the sadness felt on so many levels. Peace, love and blessings to the family. Thank you Elizabeth for all you have done to serve our community.
Neal Fletcher
March 6, 2013
We must never forget that evil is a busy adversary. RIP Officer Butler.
a neighbor
March 5, 2013
Never forget.
Jon Shearer
March 5, 2013
RIP Detective Butler...God Bless you and your family. Thank you for your service
Deb
March 5, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family of Detective Butler. May she rest in peace, and may you find comfort in your memories of your time with her.
Margarita
March 5, 2013
Rest in Peace. My heart and prayers go out to your family. Thank you for protecting us here.
March 5, 2013
Thank You for protecting our community. May you rest in peace.
March 5, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the family of Elizabeth Butler
May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not understand. May the pain and conflict you are experiencing give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Please always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone. We pray that you will discover enough goodness in others to believe once again in a world of peace. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life. Please remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.
Gallardo Family
March 4, 2013
May God guide your children and fill their souls with your laughter and love. Rest in Peace.
Women's Crisis Support Defensa
March 4, 2013
Elizabeth left a legacy of serving and protecting our community. She helped ensure the safety of sexual assault and domestic violence victims. We are grateful for her courage and the grace she carried in doing her job.
May she rest in peace.
Carol & John
March 4, 2013
Rest in peace Elizabeth.
Diane Rose
March 4, 2013
I remember Elizabeth and her boys playing at Music class with my son. My deepest heartfelt sympathy and compassion go to her family and everyone her life touched and continues to. There are no words to console. When I realized who she was I remember her as an amazing example for all mothers. God bless and may you find your way to peace with the support of your family and friends.
Sherri Escobedo
March 4, 2013
May you rest in peace Elizabeth and watch over your family from heaven, they will be well loved!
Margaret Rosa
March 4, 2013
My deepest condolences to Elizabeth's family and friends. Elizabeth will be remembered for her loving smile, distinct laugh and sense of humor. Several of us became close to Elizabeth when she came to work with the children's program at Familia Center back in 1995. She had her heart set on making a difference in the community of Santa Cruz and she did just that. May this bring solace and peace to all of those who knew and loved her.
Mary
March 4, 2013
Elizabeth Butler will be remembered as a brave police officer who gave her life to protect us. Santa Cruz has lost a special person. I hope her sons grow up and know how important she was to our community. Rest in Peace, Elizabeth
March 3, 2013
When I think of Elizabeth, the first thing I remember is her laugh, silly sense of humor and her great big smile. She was such a kind, nurturing soul to all the children she worked with at Familia Center when I met her back in 1995. All of us who worked with her back then are so devastated by this. She dedicated her life to helping others and she made the ultimate sacrifice doing just that. May her children, partner, Peter and all those who knew her find peace knowing that she loved serving her community. Rest in peace, dear Elizabeth.
Jeffrey Zenker
March 3, 2013
Peter, my heart aches for you and your sons for the loss of Elizabeth. Her service to the community will not be forgotten. I remember meeting Elizabeth when she was carrying Jaoquin in his baby sling. They looked cute. They looked like they were going sky-diving together. Wishing you God's peace.
SBCDSA
March 3, 2013
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to family, friends and those left to follow in her foot steps. You're all in our thoughts ~ Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs' Association.
Nicole Weaver and Family
March 3, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss of such a great Daughter, Wife , Mother and Officer. Elizabeth was truly a kind person and my family and I are lucky to have known her. I hope the Butler-Wu family knows you have our eternal support.
Thank you Elizabeth.
Shona Deveney-Doty
March 3, 2013
I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, now live elsewhere but my heart broke when I saw the news. My sympathies for you and your children, I know she's in heaven, and will always keep a loving watch on all of you. Elizabeth, I would like to say Thank You, God Bless and Keep You and may you Rest In Peace.
Gini Gyorkos
March 3, 2013
There are no words to express the grief at the loss of Officer Butler while on the job in Santa Cruz. It is more than a tragedy that this officer has lost her life in the line of duty, leaving behind her little children and partner. There are not enough words of thanks for all your work with the community, including your ceramics business. Blessings to your boys, your partner and to your spirit. Blessings.
patti whitlock
March 3, 2013
She cared so much for her work and her boys. This is ALMOST her beautiful smile. One of my very favorite. God's grace to you Peter, the boys and family. Love and prayers.
Pam Byington
March 3, 2013
What a heartbreak for this family, with children so terribly young. I pray for them, especially the Father who will go on alone for now, trying to be both mother and father. I know the community will be supportive to them. The Mother has given the ultimate sacrifice for the community she loved. God bless you all.
Ben Benthusen
March 3, 2013
A sad thing for my home town, God bless, and bless the family in their time of need. RIP
Sharlene Guanopoulos
March 3, 2013
Thank you for all you have done for the community, may you RIP.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, friends and co-workers.
March 3, 2013
"Semper Fidus"
Elaine Davis
March 2, 2013
Louise,
I recall our conversations about how proud you were of your daughters and how you wanted to be close to Elizabeth up north. I was so glad you were able to retire and have that time to share with her and the children. We never had anyone as dedicated to the school, however, as you were and you were missed when you left. Many of us are heartsick now and wish we could somehow help out and support you. Please let me know if I could be useful to you in any way. Many of us feel the same way and pray you find some healing with those close to you now. I'm sorry, Louise. You can always get in touch with me or some of your colleagues whenever you'd like. God bless you for strength. Elaine
March 2, 2013
Rest In Peace and may your boys be taken well care of
Charles Hamilton
March 2, 2013
Dear Louise,
I am just heartbroken about the terrible tragic lose of your daughter. I just don't understand it all. You were and are a beautiful and wonderful person. I so admired you when we were at Hawthorne Hi. For a great part of your life you have made such a difference in so many student's lives ! I am so sorry Louise.
Charlie Hamilton
Janie Archibeque
March 2, 2013
Peter, you and your boy's and family are in my everyday prayer's THANK YOU Elizabeth for serving and protecting our community. May you rest in peace and Peter may God comfort you at this time of Grief.
March 2, 2013
Felicia Palmer
March 2, 2013
My condolences to your family...Detective Butler will forever hold a special place in my heart...she was working on a case for me...she was very special to me, she was kind, caring and compassionate
March 2, 2013
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