Sally Bonsell Butler

SALLY BONSELL BUTLER died Tuesday, January 26, 2016 following a brief illness at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. She now joins her beloved twin sister, Bonnie, who made the final journey only weeks ago. As they were inseparable in life, they are now reunited for eternity. They were born on June 21, 1930 in Hot Springs, South Dakota to Harold Jay and Beulah Hughes Bonsell. Following her graduation from Mena, Arkansas High School, Sally followed her mother into the teaching profession in Wyoming while completing her college education at the Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) where she met her future husband, James Butler of Conway. Both graduated in the class of 1955. In 1962, they married beginning a 53-year loving relationship. They moved to Little Rock in 1963. Sally began a rich and rewarding 29-year career in the Pulaski County Special School District, retiring from Baker Elementary School in 1992. Though unable to have children of her own, Sally touched the lives of hundreds who fondly remember her a "mothering" figure who helped mold their futures. Jim and Sally shared a lifelong love of fishing, gardening, woodworking and woodcarving and yes, even taking up golf (loosely defined!), and as the infirmities of age developed, just relaxing in one-another's company took on greater pleasure. Preceding Sally in death, in addition to her parents and sister Bonnie Salyer, was an infant brother, John Grafton Bonsell. Survivors are her loving husband of 53 years, James F. Butler and nieces Bonnie Lee O'Baugh and Belinda Garvin (Steven). Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13800 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211 (501) 224-8300 with services at 2 p.m., Friday, January 29, 2016 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel. Interment is to be in Old Dallas Cemetery near Mena, Arkansas at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 30, 2016. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.