February 10, 1948 – February 4, 2026

Marchita “Markey” Butler (age 77) of Snowmass Village, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. She was born in Portland, Indiana, to Leland and Gertrude Lemme. After attending Purdue University, Markey began her career as an emergency room nurse at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan. Never one to limit her ambitions, she pursued both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health at the University of Michigan while working full time. Her exceptional skill and dedication to patient care led her to become a nursing executive at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Recognizing her leadership, the Sisters of Mercy selected Markey to establish one of Ann Arbor’s first home health care agencies. She later founded Butler and Associates, an international health care consulting firm, and Comprehensive Home Health Services, her own health care agency. Markey also served as the Executive Director of Arbor Hospice, advancing compassionate end-of-life care for many families.

After moving full time to Snowmass Village, CO in 2005, Markey quickly became an integral part of the community. She served on the Snowmass Village Planning Commission before being elected to the Town Council and later made history as the first female mayor of Snowmass Village, serving six impactful years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided steady leadership as both Mayor and Chair of the Department of Public Health, guiding Pitkin County’s response. Markey’s passion for service was also exemplified through her founding and directorship of Hospice of the Valley, and at the time of her passing, she was serving as a Trustee for Colorado Mountain College, a role she had held since 2021.

Known for her expert leadership, tenacity, and thoughtfulness, Markey dedicated her life to community service. She volunteered her time and energy to countless local organizations, including the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Forest Conservancy, the Roaring Fork Transit Authority, and the Snowmass Western Heritage Association. She also shared her love of the outdoors as a ski ambassador for Aspen Skiing Company and as a volunteer forest service ranger.

In moments of “retirement”—which she declared at least three times—Markey pursued her passions for travel, wine tasting, photography, and walking her beloved rescue dogs. Her legacy lives on through her remarkable leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to community.

Markey is survived by her husband of 56 years, Gerald (“Jerry”); two daughters, Deanna and Amy; her sister, Rosemary Taylor; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Snowmass Village Chapel on June 13, 2026 (time to be announced), with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Colorado Mountain College Foundation, Aspen Music Festival and School, Forest Conservancy, or a charity of your choosing.