Helen Butler, 92, of Waubay, died Tues., Jan. 1, 2019 at St. Williams Care Center, Milbank.

Helen Marie (Janish) Butler passed away at St. Williams Care Center, in Milbank, South Dakota, surrounded by her family on January 1, 2019.  She was 92 years old.

Helen was born on January 27, 1926 to Jacob and Helena (Popp) Janish.  Born and raised in Waubay, South Dakota, she completed her High School Education in 1943.  Helen spoke proudly of her first job at Janish Chevrolet in Waubay, working for her father.  After graduating from high school, she obtained her teaching certificate and taught in a one room Country School near Waubay for a year.  Discovering that she loved teaching, Helen then obtained her diploma in Kindergarten-Primary Education from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD in 1947.  She taught third grade in Clark, Sisseton and Waubay.

It was Helen's quick smile that attracted her late husband (Reuben Earl Butler) to her.  Reuben was the love of her life.  They married on August 23, 1954, and together they had eight children.   They were married for 62 years, living and working in Waubay their entire lives.  They purchased and operated the Red and White Grocery Store on Main Street.  In 1965 they bought the Butler farm, farming and working with dairy cows.  In 1978, they, along with their son, Steve, purchased the Waubay Fur Farm.  Helen served as the Bookkeeper for the Fur Farm until it closed in 1999.  In their later years Helen and Reuben enjoyed traveling around the country and to Europe.

At a young age, Helen started playing the piano.  She continued playing throughout her lifetime.  She was a gifted musician, serving as organist for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Waubay for 56 years.  A teacher at heart, she taught her children and grandchildren to play the piano as well.  Helen was a faithful member of the Catholic Daughters, Altar Society and the Blue Army.

Helen enjoyed life's simple pleasures.  In addition to playing the piano she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, slumber parties with her daughters and granddaughters, making chocolate chip cookies for all, and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins. Her greatest joy was her family.  She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with the heart of a mother, up to the last moment of her life.

Left to honor Helen and remember her love are her brother, Arnold Joseph (Barb) Janish of Hot Springs, SD; 6 children, Sr. Deanna Butler, PBVM of Aberdeen, SD. Sr. Rita Butler, DSMP of Chicago, IL. Rene' (Clyde) Thrift of Doland, SD, Joe (Marsia) Butler of Waubay, SD Jim (Val) Butler of Watertown, SD, Mike (Stephanie) Butler of Olathe, KS; 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband (Reuben), her parents (Jacob and Helena), two brothers (George and Edmund), three sisters [Frances Biel, Dorothy Dvorak, and Sr. Rita (Catherine) Janish, PBVM], her two sons (Mark and Steve Butler), and her grandchild, Brian Butler.