Loudene Shields

Loudene Butler Shields, 91, of Santaquin, Utah, passed away on September 28, 2017 in Conroe, Texas. Loudene's wishes were to be cremated, provide by Sam Houston Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. There will be no funeral services. The family will have a private gathering and dinner to celebrate her life. Loudene was born in Santaquin, Utah to Lawrence Edward and Myrtle Van Ausdal Butler, on January 25, 1926. She was the 7th of 11 children. She was the last daughter to pass. She is survived by her brothers Ernest Devon Butler, 93, and Myron Thomas Butler, 83. In January of 1942, Loudene's beloved brother, Lynn Edward Butler, passed away after suffering from congenital heart disease at the age of 21. It was a very difficult time for her because they were so close. He taught her how to play the guitar, which she shared and entertained her family with for many years. In November of 1942, at the age of 16, the family moved to Fresno, California. She loved movies, collecting pictures of her favorite stars. She loved to play games, she loved to tease everyone. In her younger years, she was a tomboy and loved climbing trees, collecting rocks, playing with bugs, antagonizing her younger siblings, mainly sisters. She was so much fun. Her nieces and nephews have dubbed her the "fun Aunt". When the family settled in Fresno, Loudene went to work as a Commissary Clerk at the Pinedale Military Base. This is where she met her future husband, John Weldon Shields, a Texan. John had joined the Army in Texas, arrived in Utah for boot camp (arrived there 2 weeks after she left for California). After boot camp, he was stationed at Pinedale where she was working. The first time he saw her, he said "I'm going to marry her". They were married July 17, 1943 for 52 years when he passed on June 5, 1995. They had 3 children, Sharon Lee, Karen Lynn, and Christopher John. Loudene is preceded in death by her spouse, John; parents, Lawrence and Myrtle; brother, Lynn; seven sisters, Twila, Elda, Vera, Irene, Jean, Bonnie, and Fern; and grandson, Patrick Douglas Kjelstrom. She is survived by her 3 children, Sharon, Karen, and Chris; 16 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; and 28 great-great grandchildren; as well as her brother-in-law Neil Hawkins and sisters-in-law, Alma Butler and Kathy Butler; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Vitas Hospice Care in Conroe, TX, for their support in her final days.

Loudene Shields

January 25, 1926 - September 28, 2017