Diane Buttrey Simons

Diane Buttrey Simons passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, strength, and unconditional love. Born on November 26, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Thomas R. Buttrey and Doris Hutchins Buttrey, Diane spent her life devoted to education, community service, and, most of all, her family.

She was a Salt Lake City native who graduated from East High School before earning her B.S. in Elementary Education from Westminster College. She later completed a Graduate Certificate in teaching the Blind and Visually Handicapped at Brigham Young University. For 36 years, she worked as an Itinerant Teacher for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, serving preschool through high school students across the Davis, Salt Lake, and Granite School Districts. She balanced her demanding full-time career while also keeping an unwavering dedication to her family.

Diane adopted and lovingly raised her two children: Thomas Blaine Simons in 1977, and Stacie Diane Simons in 1986. Being a mother was not just important to her, it was the heart of who she was. She approached motherhood with unwavering love, fierce dedication, and endless patience. Her children always knew they were deeply supported, cared for, and unconditionally loved. Diane celebrated their achievements, comforted them in challenges, and showed up in every way a mother could. She was their greatest cheerleader, their confidante, and their constant.

Diane adored her grandchildren, Camden and Scarlet, and played an active and supportive role in their lives. When Camden was young, she regularly helped care for him while his parents worked demanding schedules, forming a close and lasting bond. When Scarlet was born, Diane was once again happy to step in whenever help was needed. She treasured her time with both grandchildren and found great joy in being part of their everyday lives.

Diane was deeply engaged in her community. She was a proud and active member of P.E.O., Utah Chapter Y, serving as Chapter President (2000–2002) and as State President (2007–2008). She was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church of Salt Lake City, serving on the church board and as Church Moderator. Her dedication extended to her alma mater, where she served on the Women’s Board of Westminster College, including terms as 1st and 2nd Vice President.

Her passion for nature and education continued through her many years as a docent at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, where she specialized in the care and handling of raptors and birds of prey. She loved sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with zoo visitors and found great joy in connecting people, especially children, with animals.

Diane had a gift for bringing people together. She was the family organizer, the heart of every celebration, from holidays to birthdays to Sunday dinners, often cooking for 12 to 16 loved ones. She believed deeply in creating warm, lasting memories for her children and extended family.

She traveled the world with her sister Jan and husband Blaine, exploring China, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Tahiti, the Caribbean, Iceland, the British Isles, and much of Europe. But no matter where she went, her heart was always at home with her family.

Diane is survived by her husband Blaine H. Simons, her children Thomas (Leesha) and Stacie, her grandchildren Camden and Scarlet, and her sister Janis M. Buttrey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Doris Buttrey.

A celebration of Diane’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 1710 S. Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT. A viewing and reception will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s name to the Utah P.E.O. Gump & Ayers Scholarship Fund or the Women’s Board of Westminster College.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Fehlauer and his team at Auberge Memory Care for their exceptional care during the last months of Diane’s life. Special appreciation goes to Omar, Roscita, Marty, and Wanda for their loving attention, kindness, and compassion. Their presence brought comfort, dignity, and peace in Diane’s final days.

Diane’s life was a testament to compassion, perseverance, and the power of love. She touched countless lives and will be missed beyond measure.

Those wishing to watch the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link:https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/ZYHZMVIDLBmUVLarzIkXrKxvXsndTPUUXqGCdQ0dGoTifuqzUPp-HvRuB0oRWRzo.JOTUXBd62_blwBYY?startTime=1743871115000