Steven Wallace Butts, 73, passed peacefully on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, after an extended battle with cancer. He was born in Eureka on Sept. 27, 1951, to Dick and Diane Butts. He graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1969 (Go Lions!). 

Steve worked with his father, Dick, whatever the task, until he, very proudly, got his first official (non-family) job working as a laborer to construct the Koocanusa Bridge. This helped spur his love of construction, and he had a long, successful career as a builder and general commercial contractor, with many projects across Idaho, Montana, and California. 

He was a crazy passionate Gold Miner, always securing the most remote claim possible, and then convincing his best friend, his father, and all six of his kids to follow. He had a love of fast cars, fancy dinners, and a good poker game. He was known for his vibrant storytelling, elaborate fashion sense, and was especially fond of flashy cowboy boots and tall hats. 

Steve is survived by his many loving family members that include; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Glenn Larson, brother, Joseph Butts, and sister, Tracy Stamper; his children, Richard and Valerie Butts, Julie and Nick King, Robert Butts, Rory Butts, Stevnae Butts, and Shane Butts. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Kyler, Kaylee, Gwen, Steven, Bradley and Leon; and numerous nieces and nephews. He had many devoted friends and extended family including Warren and Jennie Novak of Florida, Suzanne Strang of California, Kody Helms of Texas, and DeWayne and Vicki Padgett of Columbia Falls. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Mountain View of Cascadia, Eureka Clinic, and Logan Health Whitefish for the wonderful care they gave him. 

A memorial service will be held later this summer. 

Steve will be sorely missed, but he left like he did everything else — he did it his way...

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Eureka. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.