Barbara J. Butler of Ferndale passed away on the evening of Saturday, September 1st, with her daughters Barbara Dickhoner and Patricia Post, and her grandsons Thomas Post and Douglas Phillips Jr. by her side. Barbara was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to Alexander and Rose McKee. She is survived by her brother Gordon McKee and his wife Mary, her grandchildren Shauna and Shannon Post, her great-grandchildren Maxwell and Abigail Phillips, several nieces and nephews in Connecticut, and an adopted friend Michelle, La Valley.

Barbara had the biggest heart, not to be confused with her size. She loved her family beyond compare and was always extremely generous. Barbara grew up with her husband, Thomas, in Waterbury, Connecticut. After they married they traveled the world as an Air Force family. In 1970, Barbara and her husband decided to retire to Ferndale, where she lived to her last days.

Barbara was a very smart and savvy woman. There was really no question she couldn’t answer or decision she didn’t help us come to. She was a great source of knowledge and had an eye for detail. Barbara loved playing golf and spent many hours on the course with her friends. She also loved the outdoors, from working in her garden to taking walks around town. Barbara enjoyed cooking and Thanksgiving will never be the same without her gravy.

Our hearts are heavy with your loss but we know you are in a better place. These last few years have not been easy, seeing the strong independent person you once were slipping away.

Rest in peace, Barbara. We love you.

A remembrance of Barbara will be added to daughter Mary E. Moore’s service on Saturday, September 8th, at Ferndale City Hall, at 1 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Barbara Butler’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.