Rosemary Butterworth

ROSEMARY BUTTERWORTH After completing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle, and neatly clipping her last coupons, Rosemary Butterworth died quietly in the arms of her loving husband, Joe, leaving us with clear instructions about how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life: keep your mind alert and your priorities straight; save and plan well so that you can spend your time and money on your children and grandchildren; search for treasures at garage sales and thrift stores (remember that an asking price is just a starting point); teach your children and grandchildren to cook, appreciate art, and love nature; learn everything you can about small towns when you travel; take time to listen before you speak; and cook and enjoy at least one Thanksgiving dinner in the desert. Rosemary was born on the last day of 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Johanna and George Arndt, "The best damn machinist in Indianapolis." Johanna and George raised three children: George Jr., Rosemary and Nancy Susan. In spite of very limited funds, all three children completed college. Although discouraged from studying science and math by school counselors in the 1940\u0027s, "because she was a girl," Rosemary persevered and graduated summa cum laude from Indiana Central College with a dual degree in mathematics and physics. It was there, as a physics lab assistant, that she met Joe Butterworth, whom she claims to have picked because he was the "smartest of the lot." Joe and Rosemary were married in 1953 and raised two beautiful children: Joe Jr. and Nancy Ann. Joe Sr. went on to complete his PhD in electrical engineering at Purdue University. The young family moved to southern California in 1959 where Joe began his long career in electrical engineering with Douglas Aircraft and ending with Hughes Aircraft. It was there that Rosemary worked as a mathematician at Douglas Aircraft and as an administrator at the Southern California College of Optometry. Rosemary dedicated herself unconditionally to her children as a den mother, and chairwoman of the PTA. The Butterworth house was the place where everyone played as kids, with Rosemary organizing neighborhood bazaars, pool parties, sporting games and art activities for everyone in the neighborhood. As the years passed, cars for parties at the Butterworth\u0027s lined the cul-de-sac. Family vacations consisted of camping in the mountains and deserts of the southwest that they all grew to love and call home. When they landed on Arizona\u0027s Mingus Mountain on one of those trips in 1978, Rosemary stood at the overlook, pointed at the Verde Valley below and declared, "This is where we will settle." After Joe retired from Hughes Aircraft in 1988, Rosemary and Joe sold their house, packed their belongings into a 23-foot trailer and hit the road. They traveled together for 14 years traversing the United States and Canada. When it was time to finally settle in 2002, they designed and built their home below Mingus Mountain in Clarkdale and established, not only a permanent residence, but also deep and lasting friendships with their neighbors, young and old. Rosemary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Joseph Butterworth of Clarkdale, Arizona; her son Joe Butterworth (wife Lori) of Soquel, CA and daughter Nancy Boschetto (husband Brad) of London, England; her beloved grandchildren Matthew Butterworth (fiance Megan) of Whittier, CA, Johanna Butterworth of Boston, MA and Brenna Boschetto of London, England. Rosemary had a loving and close relationship with her sister Nancy Susan (husband John) Prickett of Mission Viejo, CA and their sons Brad (wife Becky) and Andy (wife Tracy) and her grandnieces and -nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. George Arndt of ldren\u0027s Cancer Support Services, 2007 Freedom Blvd. Freedom, CA 95019. Rosemary and Joe helped their son and daughter-in-law start Jacob\u0027s Heart in 1998, which made Rosemary proud. She volunteered and supported Jacob\u0027s Heart for many years, helping set up the first office and ran booths at the first two Kidrageous Carnivals. At Rosemary\u0027s request, there will be no public service. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com