Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Steven John Matthew Butala, passed away May 19, 2022, in Provo, Utah, weeks before his 58th birthday.

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Steven was born June 8, 1964, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Steve and Geraldine Marciniak Butala. Later in life, he was confined to a wheelchair due to a battle with Muscular Dystrophy, and was an amazing example of perseverance through trials and enduring them well.

He married Sherilyn Pearson Butala on June 20, 1998 in the Utah Mount Timpanogos Temple. Together, they served as loving foster parents for many years, and were blessed with four amazing children — Taylor, Jessika, McKay, and Faith. Sheri passed away Oct. 14, 2019, in Provo. Steven remarried March 20, 2021, bringing Patricia Genevieve Butala into the family. The two have formed a strong union of their two families. Steven and Trish were sealed Jan. 21, 2022 in the Provo, Utah Temple.

Steven was always a man of learning. He had a highly technical mind, and the ability to relate the world of science to his understanding of spiritual matters.

He studied heavy equipment mechanics at Universal Technical Institute, graduating in 1983. Later, he returned to school, earning a bachelor of science in chemistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1993. He earned his PhD in chemistry at Brigham Young University in 1999, and then did post-doctoral research at the University of Southern California in super acid catalysis.

Steven’s career accomplishments include service as a lead scientist and assistant bureau director at the Utah Department of Health. He worked as a scientist with Wiltec Research Company, Inc., and was a research scientist at New Vistas.

Throughout his life, Steven was a man of incredible faith. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Washington, D.C. and he was an outstanding gospel teacher, always anxiously engaged in teaching callings in the Church, even while confined to a wheelchair. He served as a Sunday School teacher. At the time of his passing, Steven was serving as a service missionary for the Church, working with those who are struggling with addiction recovery.

Steven was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine, his father Steve, his sister Linda Foster, and his brother, Jay Butala, and by Sheri.

He is survived by his children Taylor Danielle Christiansen(Forrest), Jessika Haylie Butala, McKay Steven Butala, and Faith Angellina Butala, his grandson, Odin, and his wife, Patricia.

All who knew Steven will miss his sense of humor, his scholarly knowledge, and his care and concern for others. He was a man who was always in the service of his Savior, Jesus Christ. As he battled illness over the past few years, Steven provided powerful witness of the power of enduring well to the end.

On May 19, he received a release from the pain and suffering of his physical body and the peace that came as he arrived in the presence of that Savior he served, along with the friends and family who preceded him death, and all of those for whom he served as proxy in the temple, a place he loved to serve.

Steven’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service Monday, May 23, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the Edgemont South Stake Center, 350 E. 2950 North, in Provo.

Interment will precede the memorial service at 10 a.m. that morning at Timpanogos Memorial Gardens, 1000 North 400 East, Orem, Utah.

The Butala family wished to thank the incredible healthcare professional and caregivers who have served the family over the past few years. They also express their appreciation to member of the Pleasant View 4th Ward and other friends who have served Steven and the family.

Services

Burial

Monday, May. 23, 2022 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Timpanogos Memorial Gardens
1000 N. 400 E
Orem, UT 84097

Funeral Service

Monday, May. 23, 2022 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Edgemont South Stake Center
350 E 2950 N
Provo, UT 84604

Life Story Info

Post Date

May 21, 2022

Personal Info

Age

57
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Guestbook

His love is like glitter, no matter how hard you try, it will never go away. His smile is like the flu, contagious! His spirit is like a fingerprint because it's like no other. When he was in pain, I was in pain. I miss this man every second of every day. Steven is my hero, my best friend, and my father.

Faith Butala Jan 19, 2024

I New Steve for many years here in Las Vegas before he was married His father was my wood shop teacher when I was in Jr High, and got to know his brother Jay better after Steve went away to school in Utah, his sister Linda was already married but did get to know her too. Steve was a great guy. We did alot of things together mainly learning about and fixing cars. I am going to miss him greatly.

Erwin Allen , Las Vegas, NV, US Dec 03, 2022

My husband developed a great love of Steven as he attended Steven's incredible Sunday School lessons. When Steven could not come to the church, the class members went to Steven's home to feast on his gospel insights. I was inspired by Steven's constant smile. He truly was the epitome of enduring well. He shall be missed.

Marilyn , Provo, UT, US May 23, 2022

Sister Butala and family. I am deeply saddened to hear of Elder Butala's passing..yet I am overjoyed that I had the opportunity to come to know him as a friend and mentor. I only hope he knew what he meant to my recovery from addiction and sister B as well. I would not be where I am in recovery without the two of you. God Bless ND Godspeed Elder B

Pat Wheelock , Kentland, IN, US May 22, 2022

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