Helen Butler

A life-long resident of the Inland Empire, Helen Butler passed away on Jan. 14, 2007, in Spokane.

She was born in Oden, Idaho, on April 18, 1918, the daughter of Mike and Mary Venovich Ponack. Helen spent her childhood in the Oden Valley along with her sister, Catherine McCurtain; and brothers, Bud, Nick, George and Samuel Ponack.

Helen married Guy M. Butler on Aug. 27, 1936, and they had five children. They spent their early married life in Spokane, Wash., before moving to Hope, Idaho, in 1945. They owned and operated Butler's One Stop grocery for 31 years. After retirement in 1976, Helen and Guy spent their summers in Hope and winters in Yuma, Ariz. In 1993, they moved to Rockwood Lane in Spokane.

Helen was active in the Hope community, a member of the Altar Society, Hope Civic Club and Garden Club. Throughout her lifetime, she had an abiding interest in gardening which she passed along to all of her children.

She took great joy in cooking, which she said was her gift of love to her family. Even in retirement, she continued to make cookies for friends and family. She will be remembered by all of her children as a caring, giving and loving person.

She is survived by her children: Don (Charlotte) of Othello, Wash., Marilyn Arndtson (Jay) of Bothell, Wash., Bruce (Judy) of Spokane, Joyce Butler of Redmond, Wash., and Kathy Pattee (Jim) of Spokane; her brother Bud Ponack (Pat) of Lewiston, Idaho; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services for Helen were held in Spokane. Burial will follow a graveside service in Hope next summer.

Remembrances may be made to the House of Charity or to Hospice of Spokane.

The family sends a special thanks to Leigh Simmons and her wonderful staff for their loving care and support.

Arrangements entrusted to Hennessey Valley Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 N. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, Wash.