N. Byard

N. RUTH BYARD, 94, of Arcola, IL formerly of Urbana, IL passed away at 6:52 P.M. Friday, March 16, 2012 at her residence in Arcola, IL surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main, in Arcola, IL. Rev. Richard Chamberlain will officiate. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign, IL. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Edwards Funeral Home.

Ruth was born on May 30, 1917 in Champaign, IL. She was a daughter of John A. and F. Mabel (Ford) Winters. She married Earl Kenneth Byard on June 14, 1933 in Covington, IN. He passed away on November 25, 2001.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Marliss J. Gregerson and her husband Joe of Tolono, IL and Phyliss J. Howard of San Diego, CA; one sister, Barbara Daniels and her husband Paul of Decatur, IL; sister-in-law Virginia Byard of Champaign, IL; daughter-in-law, Sonja J. Byard of Arcola, IL; eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Winters and Mabel Welch, her husband, Earl Byard, her son, Kenneth Byard, one granddaughter Kristin Marie Williams, one brother, Robert Winters and one sister, Betty Rayburn.

Ruth was a Life Member of the True Kindred Conclave No. 15 of Urbana, IL. She and her husband owned and operated Earl’s 45 Tavern in Arcola, IL from 1970 to 1980.

Ruth was actively involved with the Webber School PTA in Urbana, IL while her children were growing up. She was a great cook. She enjoyed gardening, as well as fishing which always spawned many fond memories of fishing with her father. She was a big fan of professional wrestling and Jeopardy and loved to watch them on TV. She always looked forward to playing bingo at the Moose in Tuscola, IL. Ruth was an avid Chicago Cub fan. Her favorite dog was a dachshund.

Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice, the Diabetes Association or to the donor’s choice.