Shirley Jane (Nachtigal) Butz, 73, died on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Halsey Hall in Ft. Dodge. She was born on May 11, 1935 at Inman the daughter of Frank and Ruth (Stucky) Nachtigal.

Shirley graduated from Buhler High School and received her nursing degree from Bethel College in Newton. She married Floyd Butz on September 12, 1957 at the Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church in Inman. They moved to Dodge City in the early 1960's. Mrs. Butz worked as a registered nurse in the OR Department at Trinity Hospital and Humana Hospital. Shirley dedicated her life to helping and comforting those in need of her nursing career. She had a special gift of kindness and peace which was easily visible to the people she cared for. Another special gift that was apparent was her love for children. She was often seen pulling a small child to the surgery room in a red wagon. All the way to the surgery room she was comforting the child, assuring them that everything was alright. That same loving attitude was shown to every patient under her care.

She was a devoted and loving wife for over fifty one years. She was a wonderful mother who was always involved with her children. Shirley loved to be involved with all the activities a mother of three is blessed with. She was a supportive influence in her children's lives. Whether in triumph or failures, she was there to celebrate or console. Her caring heart was always evident to her children throughout their lives. When she became a grandmother, it was as if all she had learned was in preparation to be Grandma Shirley. It was easy to pass along her beliefs and kindred spirit to her grandchildren. She was a remarkable influence for her five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Shirley loved serving the Lord. She was blessed with a beautiful and inspirational voice. She was eager to share her gift of music and song. She often did so in the church choir, singing solos, acting as song leader and choir director. Her beautiful songs were often heard coming from the sanctuary of the First Missionary Church or the church's nursery. One of her favorite times for singing was easily observed as she was rocking a grandchild or a child in the nursery, It was her special ministry for us all.

She was blessed with a fun loving and adventurous spirit as well. Always eager to go on a carnival ride with a grandchild, take a ride on the cable car, or take a trail ride. She also enjoyed traveling and shopping with family and friends.

She was a member of First Missionary Church of Dodge City, Sweet Adelines of Dodge City and the American Organization of Registered Nurses.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd Butz of Ft. Dodge; two sons, Randy Butz and wife Sheri of Emporia and Douglas Butz and wife Melissa of McKinney, Texas; one daughter, Jennifer Abel and husband Jim of Dodge City; five grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Beverly Loeffler.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the First Missionary Church in Dodge City with Rev. James Hossler presiding. There will be no public visitation as cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the register book from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday at Swaim Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials to Kansas Soldiers Home, First Missionary Church, or Alzheimers Foundation. Personal Condolences may be left at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to express their thanks for your expressions of comfort and support throughout Shirley's illness. Most of all, thank you for your prayers.