OBITUARY
Mary Rose Barnett Butts, 93, passed away peacefully in San Angelo on January 27, 2026. She was born in Wharton, Texas on December 20, 1932, to Mary Ethel Ada Barnett and William Frances Barnett. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Norman Barnett, Kelsie Barnett, and Emmett Barnett, and one sister, Emma Lou Barnett Childs.
Mary loved her family. Her daughters and granddaughters were the joy of her life. She loved travel and adventure, taking wonderful trips with her daughters to New York, London, France, Italy, Spain, and other exciting destinations.
She loved literature and was an avid reader and gifted storyteller. Her children’s books included a walking, talking rabbit who befriended a little girl in “The Adventures of Summer and Abby.” In “Thirty-Seven Dinosaurs,” the forest was alive with Dudley and his dinosaur gang and their friend Brooke. She wrote plays in which puppets became real live children, song lyrics including “When Love Ends”, and “Let’s Dance,” and poetry which beautifully captured every milestone in the lives of her loved ones. “Don’t Fall off the Carousel Horse,” was her first published novel which she co-wrote with her daughter, Lisa.
Mary loved her Lord and taught her daughters about Him, led them to salvation in Christ, and taught them to pray without ceasing. She was a Sunday School teacher, a Girls Missions Auxiliary leader, and led a puppet ministry for the children.
Mary embodied the spirit of a true Southern lady. She loved all things beautiful – whether a perfectly set table, soft linens, or elegant attire – and carried that love of beauty into every aspect of her life. Her presence was marked by warmth, grace, and a quiet elegance.
Mary is survived by her husband, Bill Butts, two daughters, Susan Parker and husband Larry, and Lisa Sotherlund and husband Scott, two granddaughters, Summer Martin and husband Jason, and Brooke Jensen and husband Bobby, four great grandchildren, Kyle Martin, Kadence Martin, Memphis Jensen and Maverick Jensen, and stepson Norman Butts, and wife Becky.
There will be a visitation where you can come pay your respects and visit with the family on Friday, February 6th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home. Mary’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 10 a.m., also at Harper Funeral Home with burial to follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
— From Harper Funeral Home
