Obituary of Elaine Erma Butts

Beloved mother of Ellen "Kris" (Bussell) Valentine and Robert Glenn Bussell (who predeceased her in July 2011) left us on February 21, 2014. She was at home surrounded by family members. Born Elaine Erma Fitzpatrick July 28, 1926 in Melbourne, Missouri, she was the 2nd child of Roy Victor Fitzpatrick and Hulda Ruth Brown. Elaine had an older brother, Forest Ward, and a younger sister, Euna Armount, who died at the age of six. The family moved to Colusa, California when she was eight years old as she was starting 4th grade. The following year the family moved back to Missouri to attend to family business, but returned to northern California the following year. On August 5, 1943 Elaine and Ira Glenn Bussell were married. They divorced in 1977 and Glenn passed away January 20, 1981. On October 8, 1978 Elaine married Donald Dean Butts at the Fern Grotto, Kauai, Hawaii. They enjoyed a very happy life together, visiting Kauai every year on their anniversary. On September 20, 2004, Don passed away. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Elaine had a very rewarding career, working for Sears in various administrative positions for 28 years. After Don's passing Elaine moved from Roseville to Scotts Valley in July of 2005 as her son, Robert, and his family lived in the neighboring town of Ben Lomond. She resided at Oak Tree Villa until her passing. Elaine is survived by her daughter, Kris Valentine of Carmichael, California, granddaughters, Sarah and Emily Valentine, her daughter-in-law, Shirley Bussell, and her son, Billy and his wife, Laurie Ashley. Sincerest thanks to Reverend Blair Tabor of San Diego for his visit before Elaine's passing and for his continuous prayers and support. The family would also like to acknowledge the dedication, comfort and support provided by Hospice of Santa Cruz and Care from the Heart; they were of immense help to Elaine and the family. The family requests donations to Christ Church Unity, 3770 Altadena Ave, San Diego, CA 92105 in lieu of flowers. Elaine will be interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, San Diego.