LOCAL NEWS
West Jordan Couple Honored, Remember By Family At Funeral Services
HERRIMAN, Utah – Tony and Katherine Butterfield were honored and remembered by family members during a funeral service for the couple.
The service for the parents, who were shot and killed in their West Jordan home, was held in Herriman on Saturday.
About 30 people attended the graveside service, including the Butterfields’ three young children.
It was also the first time a family member has spoken publicly about the tragedy.
“On behalf of the Butterfield and the Crane families, we express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support given to our families,” said Cameron Crane, Katherine’s brother.
The Butterfields were both found with gunshot wounds at their home near 3200 West and 6900 South shortly after 1 a.m. on April 18. Their children were home at the time of the killings but were not hurt.
“Tony and Katherine were dedicated and loving parents who strove to teach their children to be like Jesus by being kind, caring and polite,” said Crane. “In their home, they experienced creativity, hard work, along with a lot of cuddling and demonstrations of love.”
It was emotional as the two caskets were placed at the gravesite. One was rose gold and the other was blue and silver.
At one point during the service, family members released balloons into the sky, and in unison, said, “I love you.”
“We will honor Tony and Katherine’s memory by moving forward and embracing the role of raising their choice children,” said Crane.
Family members also thanked law enforcement and all those who have shown them love and support through service and donations.
They didn’t say much about the man arrested in the Butterfield’s murder, except this: “Our families believe in the laws of mercy and justice and we are confident that justice will prevail,” Crane said.
Saturday was more about remembering Tony and Katherine and celebrating their memory.
“We invite all to live like Tony and Katherine did. Be the light. Spread the light,” said Crane.
The suspect, 31-year-old Albert Johnson, was arrested in Stockton, California, on Wednesday.