Ralph Ellsworth Butler, Jr.

Ralph Ellsworth Butler, Jr., 82, passed away in the presence of family on Wednesday, June 19, 2013. Ralph was born in Norton, Kansas on December 25, 1930. He was raised in Leavenworth, Kansas and attended Benedictine College for two years. He then served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After discharge, Ralph attended the University of Kansas School of Journalism. Following graduation, Ralph worked as a disc jockey at KVGB in Great Bend, Kansas. He married Janelda (Jada) Kaiser in 1958 and they moved to Kansas City for Ralph to pursue a career in advertising. Ralph returned to radio, working in Salina at KSLI and Wichita at KLEO. He retired from media sales at KSN in 1998. Ralph was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi parish and sang in the mens choir for many years. He also volunteered in the community including service to Saint Anthonys Shelter. Ralph will be remembered for his broad smile, charm, wit, vitality and genuine interest in others. Ralph was predeceased by his daughter, Joan, and his sisters, Pricilla Click and Eloise Barton. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Jada, and their children, Tim (Sue) Butler of Portland, Oregon, Julie (Steve) Dixon of Wichita, Kansas and Chris (Sonja) Butler of Overland Park, Kansas. He is survived by five grandchildren, Elizabeth and Ben Dixon of Wichita and Grant, Payton and Charlie Butler of Overland Park. Ralph is also survived by his sister, Margaret Shupe of Vancouver, Washington and many beloved nieces and nephews. A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 21 and the Funeral will be held Saturday, June 22 at 11:00 a.m. both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School or the University of Kansas Foundation Joan Butler Memorial Fund. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.