Rebecca L. Butler, 50

Rebecca L. (Hirtle) Butler, born June 18, 1974, passed on July 18, 2024. A longtime resident of Laconia, she grew up in Northfield.

Becky attended Winnisquam Regional School District schools, graduating in 1992. She continued her education at Green Mountain College in Vermont, followed by Keene State College in New Hampshire and enjoyed spending one semester studying in England.

She taught elementary and special education from the time of her college graduation until her retirement in 2024. She was very proud to have not only taught all her years at Pembroke Hill School in Pembroke, but to have done her student teaching there as well.

Becky created and operated the Pembroke Hill School Outing Club, to build children's interests in the outdoors, for several years. Many great memories were created during that time.

Her life passion was teaching children and providing them the building blocks for a successful life. Many of her students kept in touch even after graduating school. She truly had an impact on their lives.

As a child, Becky greatly enjoyed summer stays on Star Island, in Rye, and visits to the family cottage, in Antrim. As an adult, Becky returned to Star Island many times with family and friends.

She enjoyed years of hand-bell ringing with the Granite State Ringers, where she made several life long friends.

Becky was very proud of her hiking accomplishments, having achieved 45 of the 48 NH 4,000-footers, prior to her cancer diagnosis in December 2019.

She continued to live life to the fullest, giving cancer the middle finger, and spending lots of time with family and friends in the years preceding her passing. She was strong, caring, friendly and loving until the very end.

Becky is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Craig Butler; her parents Lee and Meri Hirtle; her in-laws Rick and Lois Wisler, Janet Wisler, Brian Butler, and Gary Butler; and many other family members and friends.

Rebecca was predeceased by her brother, Jason Hirtle.

In the years prior to her passing, Becky requested there be no calling hours or services.

She was an advocate for adopting sheltered pets. Over the years she had Emma, Twiggy, Tessie, Yawkey, Peach and Starr, all of which were adopted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue online at secondchancear.org or by check to 1517 Meadow St., Littleton, NH 03561. This is where Craig and Becky most recently adopted their fur babies, Peach and Starr, in 2022.

The Smart Memorial Home in Tilton is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave the family an online condolence, visit smartmemorialhome.com.