Janet Vivian Wilkinson Butler's Obituary
net Vivian Wilkinson Butler Obituary
December 18, 1936 - January 26, 2026
Janet Vivian Wilkinson Butler was born December 18, 1936 to Vivian and Grace Wilkinson in Orem Utah. She graduated on January 26, 2026 in Elk Ridge, Utah shortly after her 89th birthday. Janet was married to Lavar M Butler on May 31, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Together they had 6 children: Barry, Danielle, Gregg, Kurt, Jodi and Colette (Coco). She gave her life serving others. Kurt (mild cerebral palsy, renal failure), Jodi (renal failure) and Colette (Downs Syndrome) were special needs children. Janet is preceded in death by her husband Lavar (2017), and three children Jodi and Kurt (1987) and Gregg (2022). Janet is survived by 3 children, 19 grandchildren and 63 great grandchildren and her sisters Dixie Durfey, Rosemary Parcell and Patricia Benson.
Janet served on the Lincoln High School debate team. She was a High School radio reporter and served as the High School correspondent for the Orem-Geneva Times newspaper. She was the winner of regional/state debate and radio awards. She placed first place in the “I Speak for Democracy” contest and received the “Daughters of American Revolution” medal. She was named the “Outstanding Girl graduate” of Sharon LDS seminary and was the theme speaker at her Lincoln High School graduation. She attended BYU on scholarships (LDS, BYU, KOVO radio, etc.). While raising her kids, she became an ardent Pro Life activist for the unborn. She completed her BS degree (1966) from Manchester College, Indiana in secondary education (speech and English) while raising six kids. Janet served in the Relief Society Presidency and taught Cultural Arts. She also wrote church skits and road shows. She faithfully ministered to the saints in Indiana and England.
She was extremely altruistic by always putting others first before her own needs. Like a mama bear, Janet was very protective and a strong proponent of Coco’s rights. She was Jodi’s constant companion as Jodi battled kidney disease for 11 years including: dialysis, transplants, innumerous trips to and sitting vigil at the hospital. Janet even tried to raise awareness for kidney disease by striving to get her book published chronicling Jodi’s ordeal. She was always frugal and loved going to garage sales with Lavar. Janet always had dog companions. Janet was fiercely independent. It was very difficult for her to rely on others the last 2 years of her life. Janet was a breast cancer survivor and also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy and dementia. The staff at Elk Ridge Assisted Living lovingly cared for her the last 4 years of her life. Her posterity is greatly comforted knowing that she is finally free from her crippled body and mind and is now reuniting pain free with those loved ones who already graduated.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 2, 2026 with a 10:00 viewing and 11:00 service:
LDS stake center
185 E Ridgeview Drive
Elk Ridge, UT 84651
Graveside interment:
Evergreen Cemetery
1997 S 400 E
Springville, UT 84663
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