MURIEL ELIZABETH BYERS

1923, - 2017

Muriel Elizabeth Byers, Overland Park, passed away Feb 14, 2017. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1923, she and John Robert Byers married in 1943. Until John retired as a USAF colonel 30 years later, their growing family enjoyed life in over 20 locales - from Germany and England, to territorial Alaska, Hawaii and good ol' Missouri. Plus many happy homes in between. A champion speed skater in high school, Muriel later developed award-winning skill in floral arrangement and became a take-no-prisoners bridge player. Yet her greatest talent stemmed from the glow of her unbreakable good cheer and natural empathy that constantly widened her circle of beloved friends. Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert; father and mother, Jack and Dorothy Preece; son Thomas Michael; brother Ted Preece; sister Lois Petit; sister in law Helen Honefenger and husband Howard, and niece Jeannine and nephew Johnny Honefenger; brother in law William Byers and nephew William Byers II; She is survived by her son Bing, Kansas City; son Christopher J., Ft. Worth; nephew James Honefenger and wife Jacqueline, Houston; sister in law Betty Wagner, St. Louis; niece Michelle Wagner and nephew Mark Wagner, St. Louis; and nephew Jeremy Petit, Greensboro. Memorial service February 25, 2 p.m. McGilley Memorial Chapel; 123rd & State Line. Muriel would have appreciated a donation to Wayside Waifs in lieu of flowers.