Roy Butterfield
Roy Michael Butterfield, affectionately known as Mike, was born March 13, 1938, in Sundance Wyo., the son of Roy and Velma (Enlow) Heden and later adopted by William Butterfield.
Mike’s education began at Spearfish (S.D.) Elementary School. He was a graduate of Spearfish High School Class of 1957. During his high school years he participated in many different sports but his true passion was baseball.
Following graduation, Mike joined the Army National Guard to serve his country and was honorably discharged. After his time in the service he decided to return to baseball where he played semi-pro. He also spent time as a traveling salesman for Proctor and Gamble, worked on ranches in South Dakota and Montana and was a patrolman for the Sturgis (S.D.) Police Department before he moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1964.
Mike met the love of his life, Mary Lough, in Phoenix. Mike and Mary were wed in 1966. They had two sons, Michael P. and Timothy J.
Mike worked as a certified air conditioner dispenser and a truck driver while living in Arizona.
Mike moved back to South Dakota in 1988. There he worked for Bob’s Service. He became an avid hunter and belonged to the Wild Turkey Federation. He began to play baseball again and was part of the Hill City Icemen.
Mike was always very sociable and never met a stranger. He was a huge supporter of his community and consistently offered a helping hand to those in need. He loved baseball, but his clear talent was in cribbage. He double skunked many an opponent and had a knack for “splitting the uprights.” He never missed a weekly game with his niece, Robin, and her husband, Rocky.
Mike passed away Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Hot Springs, S.D. He was 85.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma Walker and William Butterfield; and his brother, Charles Butterfield.
Mike is lovingly survived by his sons, Michael Butterfield of Phoenix and Timothy (Laurel) Butterfield of Tempe, Ariz.; two grandchildren, Henry and Rosemary; and his brothers, William (Alice) Butterfield of Chicago Heights, Ill., and Robert (Ardis Fulton) Butterfield of Hill City, S.D.
To honor Mike’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. His family invites you to please privately celebrate his memory in your own way and know that he will be with us all in spirit.