Marguerite ‘Margot’ Gist Butler March 21, 1911 - Aug. 25, 2010

Marguerite “Margot” Gist Butler died peacefully at home in Newport Beach surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 99. Born in San Diego,to Gilman A. Gist and Frances Myrtle Jones.

Margot graduated from Fanklin High School, Eagle Rock, and attended UCLA, Scripps College, UC Berkeley and graduated from San Diego State in 1932. Married motion picture star and USC football tackle Jack Butler on July 7, 1934.

She raised five children while volunteering as PTA president (42nd Street School, Los Angeles), Mothersingers, Cub Scouts, president of Interfraternity Council at USC, president of Thursday Morning Club, Newport Beach, president of Newport-Harbor Panhellenic, president of AOPII Southern California Council, Nu Lambda, founder of Ambassadors, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.

Our mother and father made us a home in San Diego, Los Angeles, Glendale (12 years) and Newport Beach (50 years).

She was a life-long learner, obtaining a teaching credential at UC Irvine at the age of 57 and taught elementary school in the Garden Grove School District until her retirement.
She was a member of Chinese Brush Painters Assn. for many years, and also the nearby YMCA and served on various board positions on her condominium association.

Margot loved to travel. She did Semester at Sea with Chapman College, Chinese Brush Painters Assn. trip to Taiwan, and many trips with the Sojourners of St. Andrews. She solved crosswords and played bridge and golf with aplomb. Her family will remember her as wise, fair, trusting, tolerant, loyal and supportive. Her deep faith carried her through her whole life. She also loved jokes. We are grateful she was with us for so many years.

Survivors include her five children: John C. (Mary Ann) Butler, Phoenix; L. Susan Prows, Newport Beach and Riverside; Kathleen Rogers, San Pedro; Pamela (Kirk) Zirion, San Luis Obispo; Thomas W. G. (Kathleen) Butler, Simi Valley. Also 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great, great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister (Adele), brother (Bert), and husband of 34 years, John T. Butler (Jack).

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be sent to the Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation at www.aoiifoundation.org or 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN, 37027.

At Margot’s s request, there will be no formal funeral. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 17, 2010, in the chapel at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church with a reception following.