Claire Diane Butterly, age 80, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2025. After a
short battle with cancer. A longtime resident of Conroe, Texas, Claire was known
for her warmth, kindness, and firecracker spirit.
Claire dedicated 38 years of her life as a seamstress at Ford Motor Company, where
she was admired for her strong work ethic and commitment. Her dedication and
craftsmanship left a lasting impression on her colleagues and the company.
Beyond her career, Claire had a deep passion for horses and everything western. She
participated in many trail rides and found great joy in jumping on the back of her
wonderful horses, Montana and Baby Doll, for relaxing sunset rides. Her love for the
western lifestyle was a defining part of who she was, and she cherished every moment

spent with her beloved horses.

Claire's love for animals was evident throughout her life. She cared for many animals
over the years, including her cherished donkey of 38 years, Katie. She also had a
special place in her heart for dogs and cats, sharing her life with her basset hound
Sadie, German shepherd Sadie, Bitiz the cat, Ema Lou—a special basset hound,
Rocky the Labrador, Chief the collie mix, and Brandy the German shepherd, who is
now being lovingly cared for by The Tassells.
She is survived by Duane Bellish and his wife Sandy, Deborah Peltier and her
husband Vance, Della Fischer, Denise Burlingame, Roger Fischer and his wife Vivian,
Thomas Fischer, Timothy Fischer and their children, Lori Windle, and Gwen Moon.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law Thomas Martel, Daniel Duane Tassell and

his wife Karen Tassell, as well as countless nieces and nephews, and many grand-
nieces and grand-nephews. Along with her long time friend Vickie Burns.

She was preceded in death by her husband Earl Thomas Butterly, her beloved
daughter Mary Lee Cavallaro, and her "partner in crime,

" sister-in-law Kathleen

Elizabeth Martel.

A funeral service will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel, 7901 Hillcroft Ave.,
Houston, TX 77081, beginning at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly
requests that you plant a live oak tree in Claire's honor. She loved live oak trees so
much that she is even being buried under one.
Claire's legacy lives on in the memories she created, the love she shared, and the
many lives—both human and animal—she touched. She will be deeply missed by all

who knew her.