Sheila Renae Teresa Butts, 46, of LaPorte, passed away unexpectedly at 2:27 p.m., Monday, July 4, 2011 at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born December 24, 1964 in Michigan City, Indiana to Samuel L. and Mary L. (Chambers) Butts.

Sheila graduated from Isaac C. Elston High School in 1982 and was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Michigan City. She worked for K-Mart Corporation as District Manager/Field Safety Specialist for 23 years; at A.J. Wright in South Bend as Loss Prevention Manager for six years and was a Deputy Sheriff for LaPorte County for 20 years.

She wrote novels, poetry and songs, played the drums and rhythm guitar, loved to hike, camp, fish and swim.

In February, 2009 she received a kidney transplant donated by her life partner, Kate. Sheila dearly loved animals and faithfully supported the Humane Society. She is also survived by her four beloved dogs, Ripley, Scout, Thor and Harper.

Sheila will be best remembered for her integrity, loyalty to her family and friends and her zest for life. She will live forever in their hearts.

On January 13, 1982 in a private ceremony, she was united with her life partner, Kathleen M. “Kate” Czizek, who survives.

Other survivors include her mother, Mary L. Butts of LaPorte; two brothers, H. Samuel (Jennifer) Butts and Anthony Butts, both of LaPorte; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Butts of Michigan City and Debbie J. Herring of LaPorte; four godchildren, Joshua S. Butts, Kyle S.L. Butts, Shelby R. Butts and Kendal Wilson, all of LaPorte; two nephews, Daniel Butts of Starr, North Carolina and Jacob W. Butts of LaPorte; one niece, Tabatha Butts of Michigan City as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2011 at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Road, La Porte, Ind. There will be no service and cremation will take place. Private burial will take place at a later date in Furnessville Cemetery.

Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Road, LaPorte is handling arrangements.

Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michiana Humane Society, P.O. Box 8651, Michigan City, IN, 46361.