Funeral services for Lavonne R. Butler, age 87, lifelong Faith resident and businesswoman, will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Faith. Pastor Lin Jennewein will officiate with burial in the Faith Cemetery.

Serving as casketbearers are Tom Graslie, David Lutz, Frank Butler, Adrian Butler, Russell Johnson, and Norvan Ness.

LAVONNE RUTH GRASLIE was born August 22, 1922 at her grandparents' home north of Faith, SD. She grew up at her parent's home, Ludwig and Lilly (Ness) Graslie, on the farm south of Red Elm. She attended Star Prairie School through the eighth grade. Lavonne attended high school in Dupree her freshman and sophomore years and graduated from Faith High School in 1941. Following her graduation, she attended Spearfish Normal and received a Secondary Teaching Certificate. She taught school in Ziebach County for several years.


On December 29, 1942, Lavonne was married to Elmer Butler at Pierre, SD. They lived in a sheep wagon, and herded sheep, until the fall of 1945, when they purchased the John Leber ranch southeast of Faith.


Two sons were born to Elmer and Lavonne, Richard in 1946, and James in 1947. In addition to rearing their two sons, Lavonne was always involved with the ranch work and community affairs.


In 1951, Elmer and Lavonne built a home in Faith in order to send their sons to school. Alfter moving into Faith, Lavonne worked as a substitute teacher, and was the Faith School Secretary during the 1960's.


In 1968, she became Editor of the Faith Independent Newspaper, which she purchased in 1971. She was owner and editor of the newspaper for nine years until 1980, when it was sold. In 1981, Lavonne was elected Mayor of Faith. She was the first full-time Mayor and the first woman mayor for the City of Faith. She was instrumental in getting the street project started, building a new airport, and restoring the golf course. During her term in office, the city was signed up for Missouri River Water.


Over the years, Lavonne was a community leader in the City of Faith. She was very active with the Chamber of Commerce, Alumni Association, and a Charter Member of Beta Sigma Phi.


Lavonne passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Society in New Underwood, SD.


She is survived by her two sons, Richard Butler and his wife, Karen, James Butler, all of Faith, SD; seven grandchildren, Adrian, Paul, and Cornelia Butler, Adriana (Nate) Cross, Katherine, Veronica (JD Gerard), and Frank (Kendra) Butler; two great grandchildren, Calla and Landon Butler; one brother, Orville (Helen) Graslie, Faith, SD; two sisters, Carol (Buzz) Donnenwirth, Rapid City, SD; Serene (Jim) Vance, Great Falls, MT.


Lavonne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer, and one brother, Louis Graslie.


Visitation will be on Tuesday 3:00 to 7:00pm at the Faith Area Memorial Chapel in Faith.


In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Faith Cemetery.