Salina, Utah - Michaeleen Wright Butterfield, 73, of Salina, Utah passed away peacefully Monday, January 25, 2021, in the comfort of her home in Salina, Utah. Michaeleen was born on December 7, 1947, in Los Angeles, California to Helen and Paul Wright. She grew up in California and lived in several different towns. She wrote in a journal how she loved to walk to school. Eventually, her school got a bus but she would purposely miss it so she could walk. In 1970, she received her mission call from President Joseph F. Smith to serve in the Great Australia West Mission. Michaeleen loved being a missionary, especially serving and meeting new people. She always wished to go back and visit her friends in Australia. On May 12, 2000, Michaeleen married the love of her life, Bryan Butterfield. Previously, she was married to Dan Whitlock; they later divorced. The year 1985 was life-changing for Michaeleen. In January, her precious son was born. She was smitten with him and named him Danny. He was her everything! From that day on, they were inseparable and loved to do everything together. He was her pal in all their adventures. They moved frequently, finding new friends and making new memories. Michaeleen did not like to stay in one place! Finally, in 1999, Michaeleen and Danny moved to Lehi, Utah. Their backyard neighbor, Bryan Butterfield, was Danny’s scoutmaster and Michaeleen would invite him in for a snack but he always declined. Michaeleen would often send Danny over with a loaf of bread to which Bryan would respond “I don’t like homemade bread”. Michaeleen soon realized this wasn’t true! After a few months, a spark was ignited and about 6 months later they were married in their friends' home. She and Bryan moved to southern Utah and loved the small-town feel; they enjoyed taking long drives, hiking, fishing, and spending time together with friends and family. Michaeleen was not only a devoted and hard-working mother but an amazing grandma. She loved her grandson and her eyes would sparkle when he came into the room. She fought a courageous battle cheerfully and without complaint. Her family wants to thank all the medical and hospice personnel who lovingly cared for her through the years. Michaeleen will be missed by the love of her life, Bryan, her children, Danny (Hailee) Whitlock, Rebecca Otutoa, Josh (Abby) Butterfield, and her grandchildren Tristan Whitlock, Emrick, Ladd, Simone, Irie, Aila Butterfield, Hepi, and Sione Otutoa. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 12 Noon in the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, where friends may call for viewing from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Due to COVID-19 Mandate, all attendees must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing. Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Michaeleen’s obituary. Burial will be Saturday afternoon at 3:00 P.M. in the Teasdale, Utah Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to help cover funeral expenses. Venmo: Michaeleen Memorial Fund or send to 1757 W Stone Gate Drive, Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045.
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