Earlene Butler, 53, of Cozad, Nebraska died August 24th, 2012, at her home north of Cozad.

Earlene was born April 2nd, 1959, at San Fernando, California, to Gordon and Earlene (Beerworth) Hanzal. She attended school in San Fernando and Turlock, California.

Subsequent to her education, Earlene worked at the restaurant that her family had opened in Turlock for a few years. Earlene's life was blessed with two children, Chad and Larry. She would eventually move to Cozad in 1995, where she was employed at Nebraska Plastics in fabrication for over 15 years.

Earlene loved her job and took great pride in doing it well. When she wasn't working, she could often be found cooking, gardening or enjoying her cats.

As a person, Earlene had a steady temperament; she always seemed to get along with everyone. She was loving and honest. 

Earlene lived life with 'spunk'; she was courageous and determined, even in her bouts with cancer.

Earlene was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Survivors include her two sons; Chad Pearson of Lincoln, Nebraska, Larry Pearson, Jr. of Cushing, Oklahoma; her mother, Earlene (Jimmy) Morris of Rockaway Beach, Missouri; significant other, Steve Kelley of Cozad; brother, Gordon L. Hanzel, Jr. of Merced, California; step brother, Jimmy (Connie) Morris, Jr. of Rockaway Beach, Missouri; two step sisters, Sandra Richardsen of La Grange, California and Judy Bacon of Sedalia, Missouri.

Services were held Wednesday, August 29th, 2012, at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association in her memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.