Reuben Butler, 91, of Waubay died Sunday, Nov. 27 at St. William's Care Center, Milbank.

He was born on December 30, 1924 in Ortley, South Dakota to Edward and Elizabeth Butler. Reuben always said he had "two" mothers. His mother died when he was 3 weeks old. Susan (Elizabeth's sister) stepped in, caring for him and his brother, Ralph, marrying Edward in 1925. Reuben grew up on the family farm, near Ortley, South Dakota. He attended a rural country school and then worked on his parent's farm.

Reuben and Helen Marie Janish were united in marriage on August 23, 1954 in Waubay, South Dakota. Following their marriage, Reuben and Helen lived and worked in Waubay, purchasing the Red and White Grocery Store. They bought the Butler Farm on October 27, 1965, farming and working with dairy cows. In 1969 Reuben took a job at the Dembowski Mink Farm.

Reuben worked at the Mink Farm and continued to farm until 1978 when Reuben and Helen, along with their oldest son, Steve, purchased the Waubay Fur Farm. The Fur Farm remained in operation until 1999 when Reuben continued raising cattle and assisting his son, Joe, on the Butler farm.

Reuben was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Waubay, South Dakota. He served on the Church Council, was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was the Financial Secretary of the Knights for many years.

He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and playing the accordion. Above all else, Reuben enjoyed his family. The love of his life was Helen, his wife of over 62 years. The joys of his life were their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Reuben is survived by his spouse, Helen, of Waubay, South Dakota; his six children: Sr. Deanna Butler of Mitchell, South Dakota, Sr. Rita Butler of Chicago, Illinois; Rene (Clyde) Thrift of Doland, South Dakota; Joe (Marsia) Butler of Waubay, South Dakota; Jim (Val) Butler of Watertown, South Dakota and Michael (Stephanie) Butler of Olathe, Kansas; his 13 grandchildren, and his 18 great grandchildren.

Reuben is preceded in death by his parents, his brother: Ralph; his sister: Kathryn Butler; two sons: Mark and Steven; and his grandson – Brian Butler.