Derenda Butler

Derenda Lee Butler, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, April 10, 2023, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born Oct. 20, 1944, in Mobile, Alabama, to Joseph Hurst and Jessie Carter.

In her early teens, she moved to Southern California, where she met Donald Gene Butler, affectionately known as "Bud." They married Jan. 6, 1961, while he was in the Marine Corps. Derenda was proud to be a Marine wife and proud of her country. Leaving Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in 1965 after the birth of their first child, David, they returned to Southern California, where their daughters, Dorinda and Donna, were born.

Derenda was a loving mother and supportive of her children. It was during this time that she found a love and passion for hula dancing and encouraged all her children to participate as well. In the world of hula, she found a loving community that lasted decades.

There was nothing more important to Derenda than her grandbabies, and in fact, she became Nana to everyone. Moving to the St. Louis area in the early '90s brought new adventures to Derenda. Besides being a loving Nana, she became "Nana on the Go", and with Bud they took to the open road as truck drivers for Hogan Trucking for 10-plus years.

Derenda will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, delicious pecan pie and her strong Christian faith.

Survivors include two daughters, Dorinda Neumeier of Columbia, Missouri, and Donna (Jerry) Young of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Elisabeth Butler of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Ashley Bennett, Justin Young, Jessie Wallis, Jamie Young, Bobbi Harper and Olivia Neumeier; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, David Joseph Butler; brother, Thomas Hurst; and two sisters, Dinky Widener and Sadie Hunt.

A memorial service will be at a later date.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.