Mary (Missy) Duryea Butterfield went home to her Heavenly Father on the evening of January 9, 2016 at Legacy Ranch Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Midland.Missy was born on August 26, 1938 in New York City to parents, William M. Duryea and Mary Atwell and was raised in Old Westbury, Long Island, New York. She attended The Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia, Sacred Heart, and Mannes School of Music in New York. Missy married John Archibald Peck on October 22, 1960 in Palm Beach, Florida. Together, they had two children before splitting in 1966. She spent time in Florida and New York before finally moving to Sun Valley, Idaho where she married William C. (Bill) Butterfield in 1976.Missy was a dedicated wife and mother throughout their 29 years of marriage. Missy was an active hospital volunteer and a long-standing member of the Our Lady of The Snows Catholic Church Choir. She enjoyed playing golf in the summers, worked at Ex Libris Book Store, gardened, was a wonderful cook, and loved her golden retrievers.Aesop wrote, “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” Missy was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. Her kindness extended to any and every one she met. She taught us that before we ever spoke aloud, we needed to ask ourselves three questions: Is what I am about to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If all three criteria did not apply, it’s best to keep quiet. This is great advice indeed. Of all the things that Alzheimer’s took from Missy, it was never able to dull her sparkle. She kept her warm smile and the light in her eyes until the very end when she gently reunited with God.Missy is survived by her son, John McNeil Peck and his wife, Men of Maui; daughter, Nina Noel and her husband, Charlie of Midland; step-son, Will Butterfield and his wife, Cheryl of Quilcene, Washington; step-daughter; Heidi Spear and her husband, Jeff of Eagle Point, Oregon; step-son, Guy Butterfield; brother Jay Duryea and his wife, Linda of Long Island; brother, Bobby Duryea and his wife, Lovejoy of New York City; seven grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.The family would like to extend their deep gratitude and appreciation to the caregivers and staff at Manor Park and Legacy Ranch for their exceptional care of Missy for almost seven years and to the tremendously compassionate people with Compass Hospice. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another; as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online donations can be made by clicking the Memorial tab below.,
