Zola Ardelia Butler

September 4, 1927 - February 26, 2022

Zola Ardelia Butler, age 94, was born in Prague, Oklahoma to Jake and Ada (Erlabaugh) Collins on September 4, 1927. She entered eternal life on February 26, 2022, while residing in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Zola grew up in Prague, Oklahoma and later attended the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. In 1948 she married Oliver Rice. Following his death in 1983, Zola met Paul Mathew Butler and they were married on April 4, 1991. The following year, in September, Zola retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after years of dedicated service, having worked in the fiber optics field division. In retirement, Paul and Zola enjoyed traveling and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand during their journeys. Zola also enjoyed country living, working the ranch, driving the tractor, gardening, and fishing with Paul before his death in on November 2, 2020. Zola had varied interests including quilting and needlework, but most of all she loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She used her talents in leading various Bible Study groups and helping to organize the Tahlequah Chapter of Women’s Aglow, serving as its President for many years. Zola leaves behind 4 Step-children: Janie Hanson of Tahequah, Carol Nichols, and husband Randy of Fort Gibson, Linda Powers and husband Marcus of Tahlequah, Phillip Butler and Wife Kimberly of Tahlequah; 17 Step-Grandchildren: 30 Step-Great Grandchildren; one Sibling, Sylestia Wilkerson and husband Kenneth of Kansas, Oklahoma; many extended family members, friends, and loved ones. Zola will be missed, loved, and always in our hearts. In addition to her parents and husbands, Zola was preceded in death by her siblings Betty Lou Collins, Bobbie Collins, Nadine Thompson, and Loretta Ross. The family wishes to express special thanks to Zola’s hospice nurse, Rachel, from New Century Hospice for her devoted care and compassion, and Dr. Michael Hammond and Home Helpers.