Kimberley Lynne Butterworth Dec. 25, 1962 ~ Oct. 30, 2016

CUT BANK - On Oct. 30 in Rock Hill SC., with her husband, her parents and her children at her side, my sister Kim died of complications brought on by liver disease. She bravely fought a painful battle until she just wasn't strong enough to fight anymore. She had been doing much better and was even able to continue her rehab at home when an infection hit her quickly. Her sudden death was unexpected and has devastated our family.

Me: "Aunt Kim died this morning."

Sam: "Nooooo!" "Momma, how can I tell her I want her to get better? How can I tell her I hope her tummy doesn't hurt?"

Me: "She is all better now and her tummy doesn't hurt. She is in heaven."

Sam: "But what if I want to tell her what happened in school or what I want for Christmas or tell her how tall I am?" "What if I want to say XOXOXOXO on a video and send it to her??"

Me: "Since she is in heaven you could talk to God. I'm sure he will get your messages to Aunt Kim."

He studied my face, almost as if he wasn't sure if I was for real or not. Then he grabbed my right hand and his dad's left hand.

Sam: "We should all pray together so God is sure to hear and maybe Aunt Kim too."

Sam: "God, thank you for having Aunt Kim in heaven. I am glad her tummy doesn't hurt anymore. Tell her I love her and XOXOXOXO. AMEN."

Kim Butterworth was an Army Brat, a mother of four, a wife, a daughter, a sister and aunt. She was a community leader, a member of Cut Bank City Council, an educator, the cheer-leading coach, the State Chair for the Jr. Miss Scholarship program and Miss Montana's mom....TWICE!! There were so many things that she accomplished in her short life but I wish she could have had the time to do everything she had wanted.

Kim is survived by her husband Mike Wineman and their children: Nick, Danielle, Alexis and Amanda of Cut Bank Mont.; her parents, Col and Mrs. Larry Butterworth and her sister Kris (George Welch and Sam) of Seeley Lake, Mont and her brother Ren (wife Robin) of Atlanta, GA.

She loved her family and she loved Montana. The community of Cut Bank was her home and so many there will miss her. At a date in the near future, she will be brought back home and there will be a memorial service. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to: Cut Bank Education Foundation and Alumni Association for the Kimberley Butterworth Memorial Scholarship: 101 3rd Ave. SE, Cut Bank, MT 59427.