Wilma S. Byers

Wilma S. Byers, age 90, died Monday, March 23, 2020, at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas. She was born August 28, 1929, in Big Bow, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Hazel (Dufield) Shore.

Wilma graduated from Grant County Rural High School and then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Kansas State University. She married Joseph M. Byers on August 6, 1950, in Ulysses. Wilma was primarily and whole heartedly a mother. She wanted her children to do well in school and made sure all her children learned music.
Even though Wilma didn’t really like to swim, she got in the pool to make sure her children learned how. She thoroughly enjoyed family vacations, and attended her children’s and grandchildren’s events. Wilma worked with her husband on the family farm, driving a tractor when needed, and did the bookkeeping for the farm. When her children were young, Wilma was a youth leader for the United Methodist MYF, taught Sunday School, and was a Cub Scout Den Mother. She enjoyed playing bridge, sang in the Sweet Adelines, and was a co-founder of the Ulysses chapter of the American Association of University Women. Wilma was also a member of Music Club and enjoyed playing the piano and French Horn. She was a great cook, and skilled at sewing; making clothes for her family, curtains for home, etc. She occasionally was a substitute teacher for math and science. Wilma was a member of Country View Baptist Church.

Wilma is survived by her children, Dr. Jonell Byers of Ulysses, Kansas, Dr. Lowell Byers and wife Sophia of the Kansas City area, Dr. Myrna Domoney and husband Duff of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Marlene Ledford and husband Dr. Gary of Springfield, Missouri; nine grandchildren: Grady and Brent Millikan, Kyle Byers, Lauren Cain, Dr. Melissa Wells, Brad Ledford, Tina Grimes, Dr. Cari and Dr. Kali Domoney; and six great-grandchildren.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Hazel Shore; husband Joseph M. Byers, in 2012; and brother, Lee Shore.

Funeral service will be Friday, March 27, 2020, at 2:00 PM at Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses, Kansas, with Pastor James Berry officiating. Interment will follow at Ulysses Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, March 26, 2020, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to Country View Baptist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.