Merri Larsen Butler

Merri Larsen Butler, 61, died peacefully on January 16, 2014, as she fell asleep in God’s Loving Arms at Hospice Brazos Valley in Bryan, Texas. A Celebration of Her life will be held on February 1, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the St. Martin Episcopal Church’s Wayside Chapel in Houston, Texas. The Rev. Bob Gribble, Associate Priest of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin will officiate.
Merri was born December 21, 1952 to Joe Kelly and Hortense (Tellepsen) Butler in Houston, Texas. She grew up in Edmeston, New York at the Otsego School. Joe Kelly was instrumental in helping to found the Pathfinder Village in Edmeston, a new concept for a residential community that would provide children and adults with Down syndrome a caring and positive environment. Merri spent many happy years in the company of her friends at Pathfinder Village. On January 25, 1990, Merri moved to Brenham, Texas where she made new friends at her home in the Brenham State Supported Living Center, she will be fondly remembered for her love of singing and dancing and she always displayed fantastic rhythm. She enjoyed getting dress up in sparkly, pretty clothes and “going out.”
Joe Kelly Butler and Hortense “Honky” Tellespen Butler preceded their daughter in death, as well as her step mother, Roberta Woods Butler and a brother, Duncan T. Butler. Merri is survived by her brother, Tom Kelly Butler, many nieces and nephews and caring cousins and her extended family in Brenham. She is additionally survived by her Guardian, Donna Franklin.
Memorial Contributions in honor of Merri should be directed to Brenham State Supported Living Center 4001 Texas 36 South, Brenham, Texas 77833 or Hospice Brazos Valley, 1600 Joseph Drive, Bryan, TX 77802.
Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Condolences may be sent to www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com