Debra Ann Butterfield passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 26, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Debra was born in Ogden, Utah, to Maurine Rose and Roland Pearse Wheelwright on October 27, 1955. She was the eldest of six children.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, when Debra was 16, being the oldest child, she had to take on the role of primary caregiver for her five younger siblings, especially her four younger brothers. She became head cook and housekeeper, helped with homework, and being the only family member with a driver’s license, she chauffeured the family to where they needed to be. She also began taking Work-Study classes in school and working at Hill Air Force Base during her summers to help provide for the financial needs of the family.
After High School she was still able to attend Weber State off and on, as she worked towards a Degree in Elementary Education. Though she never completed her degree, she gained training that became of great worth to her later on, as a mother, and as a teacher in many capacities.
Eventually, Debra was able to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and labored in the Belgium, Brussels Mission. She loved the people of Belgium and France and the things she felt and experienced there.
Soon after her mission, she met Rich, married in the Salt Lake Temple, and became a wife and a mother. She served the Savior in a variety of capacities, including Primary President and Cub Scout Committee Chair. But her favorite callings usually involved teaching and playing the piano or the organ.
Her lifelong dream was to be a full-time mom, which she was able to attain. She enjoyed being with her children, teaching them, and taking them on frequent field trips around northern Utah. She was also able to incorporate her passions by teaching piano lessons and music theory out of her home for many years. Her students ranged from 5 to 93 years of age, and she taught hundreds of people over the last few decades. Her students loved her, and many young missionaries entered the field with the ability to play Hymns on the piano, because of her. She loved each of her students and continued to teach lessons until just a few weeks prior to her passing.
Debra was kind to all she met. All her life she showed her love by serving those around her. She loved the gospel and cherished the scriptures. She lived as a wonderful example to her family and friends as a follower of Jesus Christ. She faced her trials with unwavering faith in His Atonement and plan for her and her family. As she sought peace during her last days on earth, that peace extended to the hearts of her family, friends, and neighbors.
We are forever blessed and honored to have known and loved her.
Debra is survived by her husband, Richard Butterfield; children, Josiah (Kaitlyn), Zachary, Bethanie (Jacob), and Rachel (Matthew); and seven grandchildren, Weston, Caleb, Nettie, Ariel, Leo, James, and Renny, with one on the way. Preceded in death by her parents and her son, Benjamin.
The Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 5562 W. 13680 S., Herriman, Utah, on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Viewing: 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m.
Internment at the Herriman Cemetery: 12465 S Pioneer St., Herriman, Utah