Irene Lenora (Yost) Butz

Jan. 11, 1937 – March 11, 2015Longtime Basin, Wyo. resident Irene Lenora (Yost) Butz, age 78, passed away at her residence in Basin, Wyo., on Wednesday, March 11, 2015.Irene was born Jan. 11, 1937, in Washington Township, Pa., the daughter of Jacob W. and Clara E. (Baker) Yost. She grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Northern High School in 1956. Irene then went to Lock Haven University from 1956-1957 where she majored in physical education. She then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on Feb. 13, 1958, and served as an Air Traffic Controller. Irene was honorably discharged on Feb. 10, 1961.Irene met Newton L. Butz and they were married on July 8, 1961, in Barrens Valley Church in Dillsburg, Pa. Irene was a school bus driver in West Chester, Pa., before moving to Basin, Wyo., in November of 1971.Irene raised her family and worked at Greenfield’s Upholstery, Hawkins and Powers, the Wyoming Retirement Center where she retired as a CNA, and did “In-Home” Care. She enrolled at Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., and graduated in 1983.Irene was a member of the First Baptist Church at Basin and was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary and served as past State President. She was also a Girl Scout Leader in the early ‘70s. Irene enjoyed fishing, camping, taking road trips, bowling, playing softball, driving in demolition derbies, playing bingo and quilting.Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Clara Yost; her husband, Newton L. Butz on June 8, 1982; her brothers, Harold Yost, Ernest Yost, Keith Yost, and Jay Yost; and her sister, Pearl McCartney.Irene is survived by her sons, James Butz and wife, Donna of Cody, Wyo., and David Butz and wife, Shannon of Greybull, Wyo.; her daughters, Annell Grant and husband, James of Mills, Wyo., and Virginia Richardson and husband, James (Jay) of Circle, Mont.; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her brothers, Gerald Yost of Dillsburg, Pa., Greg Yost of East Berlin, Pa., and Roger Yost of Gulfport, Miss.; her sisters, Connie Otstot of Dillsburg, Pa., and Ellen Orr of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and numerous nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at noon at the First Baptist Church in Basin, Wyo., with Pastor Kent Dempsey as officiant. Military graveside rites will follow at the Mount View Cemetery in Basin. A luncheon for family and friends will then take place at the First Baptist Church gymnasium.In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in her name to the First Baptist Church of Basin.Atwood Family Funeral Directors, Inc., assisted the family with arrangements.(PAID OBITUARY)