BUTZ, Joan T. / Verna Marlene

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, February 17, 2009 Billings, Mont., Feb. 14, 2009 Joan T. Bütz, 75, of Billings, Mont., was born Verna Marlene MacGregor on Feb. 17, 1933, and adopted by John and Mae Thies of Britt, Iowa. With her adoption, she was named Rose Joan Thies. Joan recently moved to Billings from her longtime home in Prescott, Ariz. due to health issues, and she was under the care of both her family and the staff members at St. John's Assisted Living as well as care providers in the community. Her family was deeply grateful for the good care she received during her short time in Billings. They were also likewise indebted to those in Prescott as well as those across Arizona who became her friends and supported her throughout her life there. Joan had a passion for art, music and antiques. Her life had been defined by color, music and creativity, and she regarded herself as an artist throughout. Her enthusiasm in these areas she passed on to her family members, friends and other across the arc of her life. Trained as a concert pianist, she was awarded a scholarship to Julliard while in high school. While attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, she married Bobby R. Bütz, who ultimately became a fighter pilot and major in the United States Air Force. Bobby preceded her in death in 1968. While she did remarry once, there was only one other significant long-term relationship in her life, with Gail Johnson of Yarnell, Ariz. She is survived by her brother, John, and brothers and sisters-in-law from the Bütz family, Thomas, Bill, Judy and Mick. In addition, she is survived by her two sons, Marshal Hunter of Seattle, Wash., and Michael Bütz of Billings, Mont., and his wife Shelli, and children Lindsay, Gavin and Tilden and granddaughter Kaitlyn. Marshal works for Boeing under contract as a systems administrator and regards his main job as being an artist; Michael works as clinical and forensic psychologist in Montana and Wyoming. Information provided by survivors.