Betty Gene Clontz

Saturday, February 13, 2016, Mom saddled up Silver for that final ride into the sunset. She was born Betty Gene Butler on November, 4, 1927, to Orien and Connie Butler. She was the 6th of 7 children. Growing up, from the time she could walk, her favorite place to be was in the saddle. On the family ranch in Pleasant Valley, there was no shortage of horses. Horses were a life-long love and passion along with kitties and doggies. She possessed a great heart for the hurting in this world. She would always say, “When she and I won the lottery, we’d have our own rescue ranch.” Mom attended school in Pleasant Valley, and Kimberly High School. In 1945, she met Paul Clontz; they were married on April 16, 1945. Four children joined them over the years, Ginger, Penny, Debra, and Stenson. We lived and ranched in Pleasant Valley until 1963, when we moved to the “big city of Kimberly.” Paul passed away in 1986. Mom worked for a time at Kellwood in Jerome. She later worked for many years at Henry’s Produce in Kimberly. Mom loved caring for her beautiful home and yard. Rob and Lorrie Perkins kept it beautifully groomed. They were rewarded for their efforts on hot summer days with a special ice cream treat. Mom was a life-long, card carrying Democrat. She tried to avoid discussing politics, but if confronted could hold her own. She loved her beautiful collection of dolls, fairies, angels and blue willow ware. She was an amazing cook. Her butterscotch pies were legendary and in high demand. She possessed a mind like a steel trap. There wasn’t a name or event she couldn’t recall. She was a gold mine of information. Mom lived at the same address on North Main in Kimberly for 47 years. A half-block away from her first home as a newlywed, on Taylor St. Her health began to decline in 2014 and she went to live at Cenoma House assisted living in Twin Falls. Only with the stipulation that her beloved kitty, PeeWee, go too. Mom and PeeWee were the life of every party. Mom’s great sense of humor, coupled with her love for her fellow man made her a very welcome addition. PeeWee made sure to try out every lap. Mom traveled a good deal in her good years visiting, France, Hawaii, various destinations in the U.S. and every summer for 10 years to Kansas to watch her granddaughters. For 30 plus years, Mom made her Tuesday “trip” to Leslie’s hair salon in Kimberly. They became very best friends and conspirators. They enjoyed going to Curves for several years where they kept everyone in stitches. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, grandson, Richard T. McClure, her six siblings, Mickey Butler, Jack Butler, Tommy Butler, Raymah Jarvis, Dale Butler, and Wilma Johnson. She is survived by her beloved Kitty, PeeWee, her four children, Stenson, (Nita) Clontz, Twin Falls, Penny (Joe) Goss, New Plymouth, Idaho, Debra Barth, Pleasant Hill, California, Ginger McClure, San Jose, California; 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-laws, Frances Butler, Kimberly, Evelyn Butler, Twin Falls, a beloved nephew, Bryce Butler, Twin Falls, and many nieces, nephews and friends. We would like to thank Dr. Ken Harris and Heather for many years of care, the staff of Cenoma House, Jennifer Warren, and Encompass Home Health and Hospice. To Honor Mom’ Memory, please donate to your favorite Animal Charity. There will be a Celebration of Mom’s Life on Saturday, March 26th, from 1-3 pm in the Community Room at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave. East, Twin Falls, Idaho. Cremation was under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home & Crematory. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com .