SMU Alumna Fir Butler ’52 Gifts 6-acre ‘Rhododendron Paradise’ To Her Community

As a youngster Founta Butler traveled with her family through the Cascades in Washington state. Shortly after returning home to Dallas, she took the nickname “Fir” as a reminder of her trip through the forest. She graduated from SMU in 1952, and a year later, married the love of her life, Merlin Butler. They settled on a six-acre dream property in Snohomish County, Washington, where they created a rhododendron paradise. The Seattle Times profiles Butler who, with her late husband, deeded the property to the county for all to enjoy.