Dorothy Butler, a prominent realtor for much of her life and a rose exhibitor, died suddenly February 3, 2014 at age 96. Born September 13, 1917, she was a Portland native and the youngest of four daughters born to David E. and Cora Stewart.

She married her high school sweetheart, Bert M. Butler, and after marrying, they built their home in Kings Heights where they lived their entire lives. They also loved their home on Pacific Way in Gearhart with the formal gardens that they shared with family and friends.

Dorothy spent her early career as the bookkeeper for the family excavating firms: Oscar Butler & Son and Butler Construction. In her early fifties she changed careers and became an immediately successful real estate broker for Stan Wiley and Company. While she enjoyed her Stan Wiley experience, Dorothy and four other brokers started what they hoped would be a boutique real estate agency in a small house near NW 21st and Everett. This agency grew to become one of the city’s largest real estate companies, now known as Windermere Cronin and Caplan Realty Group Inc. She was president several times, as the women each served annual terms and she was also director of the Portland Association of Realtors.

Dorothy’s other passion was gardening. She began exhibiting roses right after World War II and continued exhibiting throughout her entire life. While she won many trophies throughout the Northwest, she was most proud of winning the Portland Rose Sweepstakes Trophy and the Royal Rosarian Best Rose Garden contest. She was extremely active at the Portland International Rose Test Gardens, providing leadership for renovations over the years. She was knighted by the Royal Rosarians and a long term officer and Director of the Portland Rose Society. For many years she was the editor of the Portland Rose Chatter and, on occasion, served as garden editor for the Oregonian and the Oregon Journal, while the editors were on vacation.

She is survived by three sons: Stewart Butler and his wife, Molly, Hayden Lake, Idaho, Robert Butler and his wife, Sherrol, Portland and Thomas Butler and his wife, Candace, Tigard. Grandchildren: Olivia Larson and her husband, Jed , Natalie Liddle and her husband, Christopher, Peter Butler and his wife, Kaelyn, Michael Butler, Jose Butler and the late Brendan Butler. Three great grandchildren: Samuel and Audrey Larson and Brendan Butler.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bert Butler, and her three sisters Mary McLaughlin, Clarice Lofgren and Helen Carter.

The service will be 2pm, Tuesday at Riverview Abbey Funeral Home, 0319 SW Taylors Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97219.

Donations can be made in Dorothy Butler’s name to Rose Garden Trust Fund, 400 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97205.

Facts Born: September 13, 1917
Death: February 3, 2014