Virginia "Sidney" Melder Butler's Obituary
Virginia “Sidney” Melder Butler, 86, passed away peacefully at her home in Richardson, TX, on January 30th. Her husband was at her side.
Sidney was born on August 3, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the youngest child of Price and Inez Melder. She grew up primarily in Shreveport with a few early years spent in Richard, Louisiana. Sidney’s stories of her youth recounted sewing clothes from potato sacks, singing in her minister father’s church, and entertaining the elderly in nursing homes.
At Fair Park High School in Shreveport, Sidney was actively involved in civics clubs and ROTC. In these years she developed the empathy, friendliness, and community spirit that would define her. Also at Fair Park she met - and asked out! - the young man who would ultimately become her spouse of 65 years, Jerome Butler. After marrying in 1960, they began their life together in Lawrence, Kansas, where Jerome pursued his PhD at the University of Kansas. During this time, Sidney worked as a bank teller at Douglas County Bank. Due to her easy smile and caring nature she developed friendships with customers and coworkers, some of which were lifelong.
Following Jerome’s graduation, the couple moved to the Dallas area and eventually made their home in Richardson, Texas. There, Sidney became a mother to their son, Chris, and embraced the important role of caring for her family and home. Her family of 3 had many adventures together - they spent summers in New Jersey and traveled to Asia multiple times. Within Texas, Kerrville and Lucas were special places to her. More than anywhere else, Sidney loved being home, cooking, doing crosswords, and socializing. She was deeply involved in the PTA at Prairie Creek Elementary School, where she was known for her ability to connect with people.
With family and friends alike Sidney enjoyed lunches and shopping adventures, often sporting a fresh manicure and her “uniform” of a white and navy or black striped top and capris. She was always put together, but never ostentatious. Sidney’s time spent with others was always filled with chit-chat and laughs. She would reliably call to “check in” and let people know she was thinking of them. She never hesitated to extend an invitation and host dinners for everyone from family to neighbors to acquaintances, many of whom would become like family. She loved to give thoughtful gifts and would spoil those close to her. She was endlessly supportive and generous. Sidney cherished her relationships and was a model of acceptance, kindness, and hospitality to all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jerome Kern Butler; her son, Christopher Jerome Butler, and his wife, Jennifer Bierer Butler of Cary, NC; her three beloved granddaughters, Emma Elizabeth Butler, Lindsay Anne Butler, and Kate Olivia Butler; and her great-granddaughter, Mary Grace Butler. She was preceded in death by her parents, Price John Melder and Inez Fairchild Melder; her brother, James Melder, and her sister, Janice Melder Farmer.
Services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Wildwood Chapel, Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (https://alzfdn.org/donate/)
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