Betty Lou Butcher 1939-2011 On July 23, 2011, the Lord God released Betty Lou Butcher from her earthly bonds. He set her free to rejoin her father, Noah Levi White, mother, Avis White, and baby sister, Debra Gail White. Betty was born in Flomaton, Alabama on February 6, 1939. She was raised in Ensley, Florida and was a graduate of Tate High School. As many young beautiful Southern Belles, she married a U.S. Naval aviator. This marriage sent her on the journeys of a lifetime. Betty was a very accomplished woman breaking many barriers of her time. She was the first woman to earn her pilot’s license at Santa Rosa Field. She was a very active Navy wife who was involved in all aspects of Navy life. She learned Hula and Tahitian dancing from the Queen of Hawaii, Mama Bishop. Late in life, she shared this gift with many young ladies. Betty was also the owner and operator of Santa Rosa Jewelers for 20 years until her retirement. She leaves to fulfill her dreams, the love of her life and husband, Nathan T. Butcher; her daughter, Regina R. Merchant and husband, John P. Merchant; her son, Michael (Mickey) Alan Rij II and wife, Janine N. Rij; and stepchildren, Pam (John), Lisa, Roy and David. She also leaves very special to her heart grandchildren, Blakney R. Rij, Sheena J. Rij, Victoria Merchant, and Alex Merchant. She leaves behind a very special big sister, Hazel Drummond and a big brother, Donald White. A very special and heart warmth thanks to extended family, B.J., Hal Hudson, and special friends at Covenant Hospice and Unihealth. Funeral services were held at 11:00am on Monday, July 25, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel. Burial followed in Pineview Cemetery, Flomaton, Alabama. Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel handled arrangements. Friends may send condolences and share fond memories with the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes. net.