Kiara Justice Butler, 27, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Kiara was born on April 19, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Maceo Holland Butler and Lorrie Ann (Ose) Butler. From the very beginning, Kiara brought compassion, creativity, and a beautiful spirit into the lives of everyone who knew her.
Kiara spent her childhood and school years attending Challenger Elementary School, Franklin Middle School, and Lincoln High School. She continued her education at Northland Community & Technical College and later attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, working toward a degree in Registered Nursing. She had a genuine passion for caring for others and dedicated part of her career to serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Throughout her life, she also worked for DoorDash and as a cocktail waitress at Jerry’s Nugget in Las Vegas.
Those who knew Kiara will remember her kind heart and gentle soul. She had a special love for animals and nature, often stopping to rescue caterpillars, worms, and other small creatures. Whether she was feeding ducks at the park, taking walks with her beloved dog Esme, or spending time with her cherished nephew Ken “Munchy” Fellman, Kiara found joy in life’s simple blessings.
Kiara was a gifted artist who enjoyed drawing, crafts, crocheting, singing, cooking, and expressing her creativity through makeup and hairstyling for herself and those she loved. She enjoyed playing board games and online games with her brother DaShon, creating memories that her family will treasure forever. Her warmth, laughter, and caring nature touched countless lives.
Kiara is survived by her loving mother, Lorrie Butler (Jason Fimrite); her father, Maceo Butler; grandmother, Maxine Butler; grandfather, Michael Butler; sister, Tia Fellman (Brian); brothers, DaShon Butler, Jayden Butler, and Pierson Butler; aunts Sonji McTear, Cindy Ose-Rissanin (Al), Lisa Lacen-Butler, and Royalle Butler; uncle Lucas Anderson (Meghan); close cousins Julian Daniels, Cybil Anderson, Destiny Butler, April Finnie, Deon Butler, Ein Cliburn, Sophia Butler, Cale Fanfulik, Brendan Hanson, Zake Butler, Charlotte Anderson, and Caleb Anderson; nephew Ken Fellman (“Munchy”); her loyal and beloved companion Esme Loki Butler; and many other treasured relatives and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her uncle, Pharez Elon Butler; her aunt, Trisha Rose Anderson; and her grandmother, Rose Marie Yonke.
Kiara’s life was defined by kindness, compassion, and an unwavering love for her family, friends, animals, and all living things. Though her time with us was far too short, the impact she made through her generous heart and caring spirit will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life for Kiara will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.