SAN JOSE, CA- "Chug" Theodore Duane Butler, 55, of San Jose, CA formerly of Mayetta, KS passed away May 6, 2013 on the job site. He was born October 27, 1957 in Holton, KS, the son of Donald Butler and Florence L. (Wahwassuck) Ross.


Chug finished Concho Indian Boarding School in Concho, OK until the 8th grade and then attended Riverside Indian Boarding School in Riverside, CA. He served in the United States Army at Ft. Polk, LA. Chug lived in California approximately 30 years he began his journey in Mayetta, KS. Chug was a member of numerous Native American Churches nationally and internationally, he was a member of multiple Drum s in Kansas and Oklahoma. He was enrolled in the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma and was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. He was respected and honored by many individual peoples, tribes and nations he had opportunity to pray and have ceremony with. He'll be missed by many. Chug will rest where his journey began.

Survivors include his 3 brothers, Norman Ross of Delia, KS, Sam J. Ross of Muldrow, OK and Russell L. Ross of San Jose, CA; 4 sisters, Georgia B. Ross of San Jose, CA, Roberta Karen Castro of Olathe, KS, Julia B. Ross of San Jose, CA and Alva Mae Horse of Cushing, OK and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Syndny Gene Ross and James Lee Ross.

Drum Services will be Wednesday evening, May 15, 2013 at the Danceground Building west of Mayetta, KS (150th & K Rd.). Burial will be Thursday afternoon, May 16, 2013 at Prairie Peoples Park. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements.