Doreen Leah Butenschoen

Bellingham, Washington Doreen Leah (Wilson) Butenschoen, age 78, went home to be with her beloved Savior on March 26, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, surrounded by loving family members. She was born on October 4, 1935 to George and Leah Wilson in Bellingham, Washington where she resided with her entire family. She enjoyed many happy times with her family, swimming and camping on her beloved Lake Whatcom, and attending the Silver Beach Community Church Youth Group. She married the love of her life in 1952. She was a regular church and Bible study attendee her entire life. In her 30s she began painting pictures in oils, which was a delight for the rest of her life. She painted for her own enjoyment and also for anyone who wanted an original painting, especially for each of her children and grandchildren. She began a career with Farmers Insurance as agent and office manager in the late 1970s. After retirement, she worked part-time in various insurance agencies and also as secretary at Rome Community Bible Church. The greatest joys were her children and grandchildren, spending endless hours rocking the babies, preparing holiday meals, baking, hosting Sunday lunches for her family after church, soothing hurts and rejoicing in achievements. She loved the annual family vacations at the Logs in Glacier where she enjoyed the whispering of the trees and the sound of the rushing river. She had a poets soul and spent her entire life writing poetry, mostly about her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a tremendous influence on her family and her beliefs and values will continue to be passed down to successive generations. She was a loyal friend to many and will be sorely missed. “We will have to finish our chores here on this earth without her help; the fabric of herself she has woven into our lives and souls.” She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Milton “Bud” Wilson, son-in-law Ed Carlson, and brother-in-law Bernard Muscutt. She is survived by her 3 children, Kent (Shelly) Butenschoen, Laurie Carlson, and Tom (Pam) Butenschoen; 6 grandchildren, Jason Butenschoen, Daniel (Joanna) Butenschoen, Joshua Carlson, Katie Carlson, T.J. (Kayleigh) Butenschoen, and Megan (Evan) Bryant; 4 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Alyssa, Brooke, and Cole Butenschoen; brother Don (Phyllis) Wilson; sisters Myrna (Roy) Harmon and Shirley Muscutt; sister-in-law Evelyn Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Farewell Tribute Information A celebration of life will be on Friday, March 28th, 1:00 PM at Cross Point Church, 8686 Vinup Rd., Lynden. It will be a private graveside service at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham.

Doreen Leah Butenschoen

October 4, 1935 - March 26, 2014