Evelyn Marlene Butts

Evelyn Marlene Butts, 84, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018, in south Kansas City, surrounded by her family. A visitation will be held from 2-3PM, followed by funeral services, on Wednesday, May 23, at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO 64138. Burial following services in Green Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Marlene’s name to Kansas City Hospice House & Palliative Care.

Marlene was born Saturday, February 10, 1934, to Geoffrey L. and Evie Ruth (Badgett) Price in Dallas, Texas, where she was raised and met the love of her life, William J. Butts, Jr. They were married May 31, 1952, on the day of her high school graduation. Marlene and Bill had 4 children early in their marriage while Bill was completing his education and then became an ordained minister. Marlene loved her role as minister’s wife, ministering to congregations in her own way. She served as choir director for several churches. They settled in KC in 1970, which is where Marlene began her career at Merrill-Lynch, where she worked as operations manager until her retirement at age 62. Marlene loved music, singing, and partying. She will be fondly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and friend.

Marlene is preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her children, Melinda L. Buie, Byron James, Marilyn Ellis (Donnie), Karen Stafford (Mark); nine grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Arr: Park Lawn (816)523-1234

Visitation: from 2-3PM, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Park Lawn Funeral Chapel

Services: at 3PM, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Park Lawn Funeral Chapel

Burial in Green Lawn Cemetery