1937 - 2026
Verna Dee Butler, 89, of Arkansas City, KS, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, at her home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Ark City. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Hogan Cemetery in Locust Grove, OK. Memorial contributions in her name may be made out to St. Jude and left in the care of the funeral home.
Dee was born on July 21, 1937, in Pryor, OK, to parents Omer and LaVerna (Rush) Nunley. In 1955, she graduated from Locust Grove High School in Oklahoma; it was there she married the love of her life, Glen Butler, on October 7, 1955. They raised their family in Locust Grove, moving in 1987 to Overland Park, KS. Dee worked in healthcare, keeping records and as a Medicare specialist. Dee worked for multiple doctors in this capacity. Dee and Glen enjoyed 3 separate trips to Europe, enjoying the sites and scenery in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Ireland. Beginning in 2008, Dee and Glen traveled across the U.S. in their RV, traversing up the West Coast and visiting the Great Lakes. In 2013, they settled in Ark City. Dee loved to read, shop, travel, and was an excellent Scrabble player, even participating in local tournaments. She was a member of the Central Christian Church in Ark City. Dee cherished her grandchildren and will be deeply missed.
Dee is survived by her husband Glen, children Dee Ann Schwenk (Phil), Brett Butler (Cathy), Bruce Butler (Johna); grandchildren Jessica Lauren Georges (Matt), Tyler Schwenk, Nathan Butler (Amy), Logan Butler, Joshua Butler (Camri); great-grandchildren Gabriel, Madelyn, Caleigh, Ava; and brothers Buddy Nunley, Rodney Nunley, and Danny Nunley. She was preceded in passing by her parents, daughter Glenda Kay Clark, sister Sue Billingslea, and brother Michael Nunley.
