Bette Jane (Long) Butler, 93, of Salina, joined God in Paradise on Tuesday, April 2, 2014. Her incredible will to live and be an active part of life made her a fighter to the very end. To the amazement of her family, doctors and friends, she overcame numerous battles through the years that often had her at death’s door.

She was born March 5, 1921, in Hebron, Neb., to Will and Edna Long. She grew up in Nebraska, got married in 1943, started the family, proudly supported her husband during World War II, eventually moved her family to Salina and established roots that would last over 60 years.

Her beloved husband of 68 years, Kenneth O. Butler; her parents; and brother and sister, Tommy Long and Lois Koerwitz, both of Hebron, preceded her in death. Bette truly became the Lone Ranger as she outlived so many from that great generation.

Son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth O. Butler Jr. and Diane Butler, of Andover; son, William O. Butler, of San Antonio; and daughter, Peggi Kiser and son-in-law Jim Kiser, of Salina, survive her. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and seven nephews and nieces.

Dad came home, not to parades and TV spotlights but to our mother. She did her part here in the United States to continue to support him and the efforts of so many others. Dad was able to get home on leave during January 1944 to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. Mom waited at the train station in Kansas City for his return and strained to see him as each train arrived, not knowing which one he would be on. We would love to have seen that moment: a tall, proud U.S. Navy pilot walking through the great hall of Union Station as God provided the spotlight around him for only Mother to see. His reward then and again when it was all over was not a medal or even a thank-you from a stranger, but his was the loving arms of our mother as they embraced.

When Dad was released to inactive duty in 1945, together with Mom, they returned to their hometown in Hebron to raise a family. With the dedication of the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., their memory and place of honor will forever lie on the hallowed grounds of our nation’s capital. Mother is a proud Daughter of the American Revolution, thus connecting her family to the independence of our country.

Bette was a stay-at-home mom and was a never-ending homeroom mother for each of her children. She and Ken were founding members of Church of the Incarnation in Salina. Bette was a long-standing Altar Guild Chairwoman and was recognized by then-Bishop Lewis for service to the Episcopal Church. She became well known for her, “It is going to be a great day,” and her bluebird pin she wore on her shoulder.

Bette was a serious Kansas State Fan. Purple truly ran in her blood. She and Ken were faithful fans for over 45 years, attending football and basketball games until Dad’s passing in 2011. Mom continued following the ‘Cats on television. She was very upset the ‘Cats lost to the Hawks! A brick honoring Ken and Bette has been placed at the base of the Bill Snyder statue in Manhattan.

She requested to be cremated and buried with her husband at her passing. Their ashes will be combined into one urn and the family will have a graveside service at the family gravesite in Hebron. This will close a very loving relationship in a beautiful romantic way.

There will be a family visitation from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Holiday Resort, 2825 Resort Drive, Salina 67401.

In lieu of flowers, she and the family request that donations be made in her name to the Kansas State University Basic Cancer Research or First Tee of Salina. Donations can be sent to Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401.

Thanks so much, Mom, for all you have done. We are blessed to have had you in our lives, and you are truly loved in Kansas.