Elizabeth 'Betty' Butterfield

Elizabeth "Betty" Butterfield joined her husband, John, in heaven on May 13, 2025. She lived a life of service–not only in her vocation as a nurse, but through her giving personality. But the reality was: she was a class act con-artist. Oh sure, she'd lull guests into thinking they were in a safe space with her unassuming demeanor, and dinner and dessert…only to break out the Scrabble board. And then all bets were off. Even though she was quiet, she sure knew a lot of words. Guests would be lucky to leave with a full belly and their tail between their legs. Thank goodness Betty wasn't much of a gambler, or it could have been much, much worse. Betty was born in March of 1942, along with her twin Katharina "Tina" Braun. But as Betty was often reminded, Tina was the eldest. Together, they had five siblings in Saskatchewan, Canada. The unfortunate early death of their father, and later, their mother, meant that the elder brothers often took care of the family. Betty attended Bible College and Nursing School in Saskatchewan. During that time she met John Butterfield, who was very happy to be the only male in the class. They both graduated with nursing degrees. John and Betty married in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. They worked as nurses, and later moved to London, Ontario, where they were parents in a Group Home for foster children. Their beloved daughter Lana was born in 1973. John and Betty immigrated to Texas when Lana was 3, to try and manage John's arthritis. They lived in El Paso for 17 years, and were active members of St. Mark's Methodist Church. While there, Betty worked several nursing jobs, including Head Nurse at Sun Towers Hospital and Unit Manager at Rio Vista Rehabilitation Hospital. In addition, Betty went back to school in her mid-30's and completed her Bachelors in Health Arts, Certification in Nursing Administration, and Certification in Rehabilitation Nursing (CRRN) while working full time. John and Betty moved to Las Vegas in 1994, where Betty worked as a Rehab Nurse for Sunrise Hospital and Sierra Health Services. She also made lots of friends via Mary Kay Cosmetics. More friends than customers, that's for sure. But hey, who doesn't like pink? After moving to Canyon, Texas, in 2009, Betty worked at the Family Medicine Center until she retired. She stayed active by volunteering for the Canyon Area Friends of the Library and delivering Meals on Wheels with her "partner in crime," John. Betty and John lived a full life in Canyon. They were members of the Pathfinders Sunday School Group at First Methodist Church in Canyon, TX. Betty was also active in the Irene Elder Women's Circle and helped organize the UMW Reading program for many years. Betty continued baking her famous Angel Cake, Lana's favorite Frozen Dessert, and helping John make the Christmas shortbread (or was it the other way around?). In addition, the couple celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in Canyon, TX in 2017. Although Betty managed to finish a lot of crafts, she was the queen of the unfinished project—a tradition proudly carried on by her daughter Lana. Or perhaps she was just too busy spending her afternoons playing cards with her friends at Palo Duro, the senior apartment complex where she and John lived their last few years. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, John. She is survived by her daughter Lana, son-in-law Ross and world's best grandchild, Cameron. She is also survived by her sister Tina and brother-in-law Mike Krzyzanowski; sister Sue Flynn; brother Pete and sister-in-law Arlene Braun; and brother John and sister-in-law Bernice Braun; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at BSA Hospice of the Southwest and Hudson House for their loving care. They are also thankful for her aides, Kalyn Marticiuc and Janie McPherson. And above all, close family friends The Johnson Family for their years of friendship and support (Polly & Lyndon, Tim & Grace, Amber & Aaron, Lauren & Brandon, and all the grandkids). Betty will be remembered by her friends and family as a sweet and caring person who loved people, a lifelong nurse who loved her patients, and most of all, the biggest Scrabble swindler around. She will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Texas Panhandle Nurses Honor Guard, https://www.tpnhg.org/. Donations can be made c/o Polly Johnson - nurseparrot@gmail.com. Or memorials can be made to the Sharing Fund at First Methodist Church, 1818 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas 79015. Memorial services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the First Methodist Church of Canyon with Rev. Charlie Keys officiating. Livestreaming will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@FirstChurchCanyon