Sarah Lena Worthen Butcher

Sarah Lena Butcher (Worthen) peacefully passed away on June 23, 2026.

She was born on September 10, 1940, to Charles Grow Worthen and Sarah Lena Nielson Worthen. She was raised in Panguitch, Garfield County, and Salt Lake City, Utah, alongside her three brothers and one sister.

On February 2, 1958, Sarah married the love of her life, Melvin LaVar Butcher. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised six children: Doreen, Eugene, Betty, Cherrie, Robert, and Brent. Their family grew to include 11 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought Sarah immense joy.

Sarah and Mel were married in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Little White Chapel. Their family loved to tell the story of how it all began. Mel often said it was love at first sight. After meeting Sarah, he sought the blessing of Grandpa Worthen before taking her to Las Vegas to begin their life together.

Mel often joked that he had hoped for a baseball team, and with six children, and after Sarah endured two miscarriages, he would lovingly say that the rest of his team was waiting for him in heaven.

Together, Sarah and Mel created a home filled with love, generosity, and acceptance. Mel encouraged his children to be open-minded and kind to everyone they met. Their home was always open to friends, especially at dinnertime. No matter how many unexpected guests arrived, Sarah welcomed each one as though Christ Himself had come to her door, always finding enough food and a place at the table for everyone.

Sarah was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother. She found joy in quilting and embroidery, creating beautiful handmade treasures for those she loved. Music also filled her home. She especially loved listening to Elvis Presley on the record player and the radio, and one of her favorite songs was "Teddy Bear."

Sarah was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin; her siblings; two sons; and one grandson.

Though she will be deeply missed, Sarah leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

You may visit with the family at a viewing on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment after services at Memorial Redwood Cemetery.