Lois Byer

Lois Marie Byer, 85, a resident of Park Place Senior Living in Fort Wayne, Indiana peacefully passed away in her home from congestive heart failure on December 23, 2016 and went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. Lois was born on May 31, 1931 to Murry and Eva (Strouse) Shively in Noble County, Indiana. She attended elementary school in Merriam and graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1949. After graduation she worked at Blue Bell in Columbia City. Lois married Robert James Byer on November 19, 1949. They had five children together, all born in the 1950's, and lived and farmed in Noble County for over 40 years. After her children were grown, Lois volunteered at the Veterans Hospital and worked clerical jobs, eventually retiring in 1996 from GTE in Fort Wayne. Lois was a member of Ormas Baptist Church for many years and enjoyed serving as church pianist. She also had a heart for those serving on the mission field and hosted missionaries in her home for meals and lodging when they were home on furlough. In later years, she and Robert attended Merriam Christian Chapel. They enjoyed entertaining on their farm with family and friends, attending the annual Wolf Lake alumni banquet, and wintering in Florida after retirement. Lois is survived by her five children, Beverly (Rick) Merritt, Kevin Byer, Cheryl (Robert) Broxon, James (Stacia) Byer, and Michele Crowley; and her ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Edith Smith, Joyce Munk, and Marcia Wright, and brother Larry Shively, along with many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her husband Robert on April 30, 2011, and by her brothers Dallas Shively and Glen Shively, sister June Targgart, and several dear brothers and sisters-in-law. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2017, with calling one hour prior, at Merriam Christian Chapel Church, Pastor Steve Pulley officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Sheets and Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial will be at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. Lois requested that any memorial donations be made to Merriam Christian Chapel, 3985 S. U.S.33, Albion, Indiana 46701, attention the missions fund.