HALSTEAD—Eva Lee Butin, 95, died Thursday, June 23, 2022, at NMC Health, Newton.
She was born March 11, 1927, at Kinsley, Kansas to William F. and Lola Ruth (Lauber) Yung.
She was a graduate of Halstead High School at age 16 and went on to achieve Phi Beta Kappa and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kansas, as well as a Master’s Degree in Vocational Home Economics from Kansas State University. She began her career as a home economics teacher in 1947 in Fredonia, Kansas, where she met her future husband. On June 19, 1949, she married Charles Edwin Butin, Jr. at First United Methodist Church, Halstead. He preceded her in death on October 8, 1985.
She served as district secretary for USD 440 Halstead-Bentley from 1966 – 1997, and clerk of the Board of Education for many of those years.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church and U. M. W., PEO Chapter JH, Lakin Happy Homemakers EHU, Helianthos, Halstead Historical Society and Halstead Senior Center, all of Halstead.
She was also a member and former President of the Kansas Association of Educational Office Personnel. She served as local 4-H project and community leader for many years, and volunteered as both Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader in support of her children’s interests.
She was an accomplished seamstress throughout her life. In addition to creating clothing for herself and her family, she sewed countless formals, bridal gowns and wedding party dresses for others.
For many years she sewed and altered cheerleader skirts for Halstead High School and sewed many vests for the Halstead Jr. High Band.
Following her retirement, Eva Lee gave her time to numerous organizations and efforts around town, and received the Harold Rea Good Neighbor Award for her volunteer work. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, knitting, needlework and reading.
She is survived by daughters: Jan Butin, Lawrence, Kansas; Sandy (David) Procter, Manhattan, Kansas; Connie Butin, Wichita; grandsons: Ben (Nate Cardin) Procter, Altadena, CA; and Sam Procter, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; brother: Bill Yung, Galena, Missouri; sister: Bethine (Gene) Bender, Kinsley, Kansas, and nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Butin, and her sister, Thelma Weide.
Viewing will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, June 30 at Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead. The family will greet friends from 6:30-8 p.m.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday July 1, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, Halstead. Burial will follow at Halstead Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church or Halstead Public Library in care of Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead.
