Mary J. Byers, 101, of Dallas City, Illinois, died at 5:50 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Azria Health Prairie Ridge in Mediapolis, Iowa.
Mary was born January 19, 1925, in Knox County, Missouri, the daughter of Clifford and Lula (McFaden) Henry. On August 29, 1942, she married Robert M. Byers in Edina, Missouri. He preceded her in death June 9, 2013.
Mary was a graduate of Knox County High School in Edina, Missouri. Shortly after high school, she and Robert moved to Dallas City, where they lived all their lives. She began her working career at Bennett’s Home Store in Burlington, Iowa, sewing many drapes, sheer curtains and dresses. Following her time as a seamstress, she was employed at Sheaffer Pen Company in Fort Madison, Iowa for 15 years. In retirement, she stayed active cleaning the Dallas City Post Office and many local homes.
Mary enjoyed baking pies (the best around), taking great care of her pets, and tending to her garden. She took pride in caring for Robert as his health declined in later years. She was a longtime member of the First Christian Church in Dallas City and served on the church board for numerous years.
Survivors include two children: Wendell Byers of Grandville, Michigan, and Edna (Jim) Pence of Dallas City; seven grandchildren: Sharon (Dan) DaBaille, Karen (Heath) Hand, Julie (Dan) Coleman, Kim (Leanne) Luttenegger, Rhonda Halter, Todd Luttenegger and Dawn (Phil) Haynes; 12 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one grandson: Mitchell Lynn, twin great-granddaughters and one sister: Dorothy Kespohl.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City.
The funeral service will follow the visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Maxine Dennison officiating. Burial will be in Crane Cemetery, Lomax.
A memorial fund has been established for PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison.