Gwenlyn H. Butler, 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in Spartanburg, S.C.

Gwen was born in Lagrange, Ind. along with her identical twin Gloria, to parents Robert C. and Lois P. Huss. She was raised in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio before moving to High Point, N.C. as a senior in high school in 1950. Gwen and Gloria entered the University of North Carolina in 1951 as the first ever nursing class and graduated in 1955.

Gwen married Dean Butler, whom she met in college, on Dec. 27, 1955. Dean graduated UNC in 1957 with a degree in pharmacy and they settled in Lexington, N.C. They soon celebrated the birth of their first son, Barry. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Valdese, N.C. and welcomed their second son, Brent. They purchased Owen’s Pharmacy in Tryon, N.C. on Nov. 25, 1961, which was the birthday of their third son, Bruce. Child number four, Melanie, soon came along and Byron a few years later.

Gwen worked in the pharmacy with Dean until 1975. She then began working as the director of nurses at White Oak Terrace and later became the administrator of Shelby Convalescent Center in Shelby, N.C. Gwen retired in 1993 and devoted her time to her family, especially her grandchildren.

Gwen spent her entire life taking care of others. She always placed the needs of others ahead of herself. This was evident in her nursing, the raising of five children, her marriage of 54 years, caring for her parents, Dean’s parents, and many other family members.

She was a devoted member of Tryon United Methodist Church where she served on several committees and was a member of the choir. Her church family was very dear to her.

Gwen was a dedicated mother, wife, and friend. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Dean, in 2010, brother Jack Huss (Betty) in 2011, and brother-in-law Don Peele (Gloria) in 2013. She is survived by two sisters, Barbara Wheaton (Garrett) and Gloria Peele, and her children, Barry (Mary), Brent (Terry), Bruce (Catherine), Melanie (Steve), and Byron (Ashley). There are also 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Tryon United Methodist Church. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Tryon United Methodist Church Building Fund, 195 New Market Rd, Tryon, NC 28782.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.