Clara L. Butell, age 86, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on April 19 with her loving husband, children and grandchildren by her side. Clara was born and raised in Newton, Kansas, and was daughter of Kenneth and Gladys (Fancher) Carnahan.
Clara was a homemaker whose greatest joy was her family. Clara enjoyed working for many years at West Junior High in food services where she loved spending time with the children. She was a volunteer for many years at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Clara loved living her life in service to others.
Clara leaves behind her husband of 45 years, Ernest E. Butell Jr, of Lawrence, Kansas, and seven children: daughter Susan (Wellman) McNeill and her husband Kent McNeill of DeSoto; daughter Linda Wellman Fyler and husband Randy Fyler of Lawrence; son Ronald Wellman and wife Amy of Eudora; son Michael Wellman of Lawrence; daughter-in-law Diane Wellman of St. Louis, MO; son Scott Wellman and wife Pamela Wellman of New Hampshire; daughter Laura (Butell) George and husband Eugene George of Baldwin City; son Bradford Butell and wife Teresa Butell of Lawrence. Clara is predeceased by her first husband Vere Wellman, son Roger Wellman, and daughter-in-law Sandy Wellman.
Clara is the cherished grandmother and great grandmother to Emily McNeill Chappuie and husband Tyson of Olathe; Andrew Fyler of Lawrence; Molly Fyler Juhl, husband Blaine, and their children Adeline Jo and Bennett of Lawrence; Raymond Baumgart of Lawrence; Justin Wellman, wife Megan and daughter Alyssa of Oberlin; Georgette (Haskell) Yost and husband Bart Yost of Lawrence; Jason Haskell and wife Beth Haskell of Lawrence; Justin Haskell and wife Amanda Haskell of Odessa, MO; Jessica (Wellman) Zielinski and husband Mark Zielinski of St. Louis; Samuel Wellman of St. Louis; Noel Wellman of New Hampshire; Todd Wellman of New Hampshire; Casey George of Baldwin City; Brittnay George and fiancé Taylor Schuetz of Kansas City; Nathaniel Straub and his wife Bekka of Augusta; Lucas Straub of Emporia; Alexandria Straub of Augusta; Michael Straub of Emporia.
Please join us in celebrating Clara’s beautiful life. Calling hours are on Wednesday April 24 from 6pm to 8pm at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence. Memorial service will be held at 10am on Thursday, April 25 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Clara’s honor either to Midland Care, 319 Perry Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, or Visiting Nurses Association, 200 Maine Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I’m sorry about Clara’s passing. I remember her as a kind, loving co-worker. A fellow “lunchlady” feeding the future.
Dear Ernie and family,
We were sorry to hear of your loss from our daughter-in-law, Jessica. Clara was a wonderful grandmother I know! Prayers and peace to you.
Jan and Steve Zielinski
Ernie and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. God bless you all.
It was a pleasure to know Clara the time she was the Manor. She was a a very lovely person. I also have the blessing of working with her wonderful daughter Linda every day. May God Bless you all 🙂 .
Ernie and family,
We are thinking of you all during this difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family.
Dear Earnie and family, I don’t know if you remember me, but I am sure you remember my late husband, Bob Palmer. Bob died in July of last year. His was a long illness from prostate cancer, Parkinson’s and asbestosis (from the sheet metal trade). My sincere condolences for your loss.
All in the Butell/Wellman extended clan are in my prayers. Clara was the best mother in law anyone could ask for. Clara was loving and kind- always giving of her time and talents. She loved you all dearly. So sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Dear Wellman/Butell Families – my heart is very heavy with the passing of Clara Lou. She was an amazing women and always so good to our family. I know my mom, dad and Roger where there to welcome her home. The Sneed family will greatly miss her and her infectious laugh. Rest in Peace Clara Lou. The Sneed family loves you.