A Role Model Mom
By Tracy Rolling

Sondra Butler sits at her piano next to some cherished family photos.

To be responsible for creating a happy, loving, organized home is no easy task.

Yet there is an elite group of women well-known for carrying the weights of the world.

These women are multi-taskers who can tie a toddler's shoe while making a dentist appointment; balance the check book and balance a career; and organize a heath conscious menu three times a day, seven days a week for immediate family, extended family and friends of the family.

They're educators, mentors and volunteers. And when given the opportunity, they can make a difference in the lives of others.

The only thing missing from their job description is a uniform; and if they had one, it most definitely would include a cape.

Their name, you ask? What else would they be called but Mom.

An example of one such mom is Sondra Butler of Ramona. Sondra and her husband, Harry Butler, have been married for almost 55 years and have lived in Ramona nearly all of them.

Students and teachers at Busy Bee Preschool send a special message to the moms of Ramona. Photo by Tracy Rolling

They have three children: Patti Scholten, Catheren Murray and Bill Butler. They also have six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and in a way, Sondra has been a surrogate mother to thousands.

Sondra is the founder and owner of Busy Bee Preschool in Ramona.

She opened the school in 1981 when her oldest granddaughter was getting ready for preschool.

"There were only a few preschools open at the time and I had a vision of what I wanted for my granddaughter," said Sondra, admitting, "It was great to spend the day with her."

Sondra designated two rooms in their single-story, 3,000-square-foot home to be used for the preschool. Within a year, she and her husband would have to move in order to convert the rest of the house to accommodate the growing number of students.

Today, roughly 2,000 children have learned their ABCs and 123s at Busy Bee, thanks to Sondra's determination to make a difference.

She attributes her success and love for children to her own mother, saying, "My mom taught me to have confidence in myself, to care about others and to always perform to the best of my abilities."

"And that's exactly what Mom has taught us," said youngest daughter Catheren Murray, director and teacher at Busy Bee.

"Mom has always led by example. Whether she was communicating or listening, she always did it with love and honesty.

"She's an incredible woman, committed to the welfare and education of children," said Murray.

Thanking God above all, Sondra modestly said, "I was blessed to have the support of my husband and friends who have taught me so much.

"In fact, one of my dear friends encouraged me to seek my director's certificate in order to open the preschool. Had it not been for her, I don't know if I would have pursued the challenge."

When asked what advice she has for other moms, Sondra suggested a strong group of friends, open communication and a good sense of humor.

She smiled and said, "Always remember that your parenting will be reflected in your children. Instill in them a 'can-do' attitude...and they can't go wrong."