Treva Pauline Ditton Evans Taylor Button was born to Paul and Helen Ditton on May 13, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Treva was the eldest of her siblings; Robert Evans, Salt Lake City, Utah; Richard Evans (deceased) (Helen Evans) Marbleton, Wyoming; Evelyn Lohman (Thomas Lohman) Dillon, Montana; Jack Evans (Beverly Evans) North Logan, Utah; Floyd Evans (Sharon Evans) Fletcher, Oklahoma.
Treva was a natural oldest sister, keeping her younger siblings in line and being the righthand peacekeeper of the Helen and Oscar Evans household. Treva’s life mission sprouted in her humble early years in Boulder, Wyoming. Treva held Bob, Dick, Evelyn, Jack and Floyd in her heart when she left Wyoming for the grandeur of San Francisco then joining the Navy in 1944. Treva served her country in the Navy in WWII. Upon discharge Treva returned to Wyoming reconnecting with long-time friend Lyle Taylor and welcoming her son, Richard.
Treva was destined for Kirkland, Washington, where her marriage to Ralph Vernon Button (14 Feb 1948) launched the Button family; Darlene Button (deceased), Vernon Button, Richard Button. They rapidly completed the family with the adoption of Susan Button (deceased). Treva honed her renowned knowledge of healthful eating as a cook for the school lunch program. The Buttons were also a family of entrepreneurs, owning a diaper cleaning route.
Upon Ralph and Treva’s retirement they built a cabin in Ellensburg, Washington. It was difficult for her to leave the beauty of the mountains and lake of their retirement home but felt the calling to be closer to family as Ralph’s health declined. Upon Ralph’s death (10 Sep 1983) Treva moved to West Jordan, Utah.
Treva was preceded in death by Darlene Button, Ralph Button, Susan Button, and brother, Richard Evans. She is survived by her four siblings, her sons, Vernon and Richard, and many grandchildren, great grand-children, nieces and nephews.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Treva committed herself to recording her family history. Many hours of temple research and searching through old pictures resulted in the publication of the book “Boulder Wyoming and Beyond” in 2009. This endeavor clarified Treva’s true mission in this life, bringing her family tree to life. Unknown to her, she committed herself, through determined love, to be the matriarch of her family.
Embracing the new-fangled world of the computer, Treva and her five siblings ventured into the digital world of FaceTime. The Sunday 5pm MST Skype turned into the “cannot miss time” of the week. Treva spent her last few years loving the connection to these branches of her family tree. The love, respect and excitement of spending time together only grew through the decades for the six siblings who were rooted in the wilds of Wyoming.
Treva resolved to live in the Salt Lake valley to work on every family relationship she could. Her joy and connections were evident in the shared love of doll-making with Susan to the commitment of learning and implementing healthful strategies with Vernon to following Richard’s adventures. She honored each as a branch of her family tree.
Treva lived her mission through her obsession with family history and sharing each story with every generation. Each child, sibling, niece, nephew, grandchild or great-grandchild has a Treva story. In the last years Treva was much more effective and articulate in sharing the family story. She made sure everyone knew which branch was theirs and that they knew the importance of each branch and limb. The tree is strong, the connections are known, the roots are deep and the tree continues to bear the love of family. She was a true matriarch, touching each of us deeply. After celebrating her 95th birthday, Treva’s earthly mission was complete. We will miss her wisdom, love, encouragement, love of Christ, quick-wit, and her smile.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Salem Stake Center, 470 E Salem Canal Rd, Salem, Utah, with a viewing at 9 am 9:45 am. The funeral service will begin at 10 am followed by a military service tribute at 11:30 am.
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