JoAnna Byers

Memorial services for JoAnna Byers, 87, Lawrence, will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence.  She died on Wednesday, January 9, 2013.

JoAnna was born on April 9, 1925 in Red Cloud, NE, the daughter of William and Gertrude (Wolfe) Schenck.

She was the Executive Director of the American Red Cross – Douglas County Chapter in Lawrence for over 40 years.

Survivors include two sons, Timothy Byers, Ozawkie, KS, Bill Byers, and wife, Brenda, Gladstone, MO; five grandchildren, Timothy Byers, Tamantha Hockenbury, Benjamin Leuty, Patrick Laffon, Cathlyn Byers; five great grandchildren; and one brother William Schenck, Crown Point, IN.

The family will greet friends following the service on Wednesday at the Mortuary.

The family suggests memorials in her name to the American Red Cross – Douglas County Chapter and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

3 Condolences

  1. Leslie Hansen on January 11, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    So sorry for your loss. I was very saddened to learn about Jo’s passing. But from my time with her I think it’s safe to say she lived a full and happy life. Jo will always hold a special place in my heart & I will miss her greatly.
    Myself, Robert Sterling, Quail Creek and the Entire Cherry Hill family want you to know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
    -Leslie



  2. Rick Schwebel on January 14, 2013 at 7:03 am

    To family, My sincere condolences. There is no greater pain
    than the death of a loved one. Sometimes it seems almost more than a person can
    bear. Jehovah God helps us with this in His word. He promises us that He will
    put a stop to all sickness and death will be no more (REV 21;3.4) Jehovah also
    shows His love for us through the ransom sacrifice of His beloved son Jesus
    Christ. What a wonderful gift to be given ! Then the hope of seeing one’s loved
    ones again on this earth transformed in a paradise as it was Jehovah’s will when
    He created Adam & Eve . (Genesis 1:26,27; John 5: 28,29; Psalms
    37:11,22,29). If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at:
    ricruiz@aol.com
    Sincerely.



  3. Teresa Kopsa on January 15, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    To the Byers family, your mother was an extraordinary woman. I worked with her for a while shortly before she left the Red Cross. I’ve never met such a selfless, hardworking woman full of vim and vigor. I have a “private” story I would like to share with you. You are more than welcome to e-mail me and I will tell you a story of your mother and a special gift she gave to me. I was very sad to hear of her death. I did not realize she was still in Lawrence or I would have stayed in touch with her. She was a special person in all ways.



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