A Celebration of Life visitation for Bonnie Byers, 58, Lawrence, will be from 5-7 pm Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Mrs. Byers died Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at LawrenceMemorialHospital.
She was born Mar. 12, 1955, in Burlington, Kan., the daughter of Howard and Darlene Potter Caldwell. She graduated from Paola High School, and later graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s degree. Since graduating, she had completed a substantial amount of work toward her Master’s degree. Bonnie was the assistant to the Dean of the University of Kansas School of Business for eight years. She had previously worked at Mid America Concessions and Yarn Barn, where she taught and shared her love for knitting. She was an avid KU basketball fan, and could be seen at games while also knitting.
She married Robert ‘Bob’ Byers on Jan. 31, 1974, in Iola. He survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Chris, Lawrence, and a sister Brenda Pierce and husband Brent, Auburn Hills, Mich.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Visiting Nurses, or the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044
Heaven is blessed with the addition of a good-natured angel. Bonnie’s kindness & humor will be missed here on Earth. Hang in there, Bob; our thoughts & prayers are with you.
I am very sorry for your family’s loss. I will always remember Bonnie’s smile when entering the Business School Dean’s Office in the future.
My condolences on your family’s loss.
Condolences to the Byers family. Throw all your burdens on God in prayer now and in the days ahead, and the Bible promises that you will receive “the peace of God.” Philippians 4:6 &7. Our prayers are with you.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Bob.
Our hearts are heavy and hurt for you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lord bless you and keep you.
Bonnie’s quiet competence, courage, and good humor were rare gifts, and she will be missed by all of us at the School of Business.
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers for Bonnie.
Chris Anderson
Deepest condolences for your loss of Bonnie. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years. We shared a love of knitting and would often talk about our latest projects – hers always being much advanced to mine. She will be deeply missed at the School of Business.
Bob – I am sorry about the loss of your wife Bonnie. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will supply your needs and give you the strength and peace to get through this difficult time and the days and weeks ahead.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Bob,
So sorry to hear of your wife’s death. I know 1st hand losing a spouse is only bearable with the help of God. Hold on to your many wonderful memories and know Bonnie is always with you, in your heart.
Lisa Bartlett
I had the pleasure of interacting with Bonnie at the KU School of Business. She was always helpful, positive, warm, and provided quick assistance with a smile. I’m deeply saddened by her passing and wish her family and loved ones comfort and peace. May you treasure the memories of your time together.
Bob,
I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my prayers.- LaQuonia
I’m so very sorry for your loss and am thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time.
-Ashley
I am sorry to miss the celebration of Bonnie’s life. Bonnie worked with me in the Dean’s office for about two years and was a big help to me. She also provided interesting commentary on a host of topics. I recall her excitement about going to NYC for a knitting convention and trying to figure how many cool places she could see on her brief stay. I know she enjoyed so much in life, including, of course, Jayhawk basketball. I deeply appreciate the time, effort, and caring that she put into knitting a baby blanket for my first grandchild this past
August. I will miss her.
Bob,
I am very sorry for your loss of Bonnie. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Suzi Martinez
I worked with Bonnie many years ago & regret not being able to be there for you during this painful time.
May her memory be for blessing.
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Bonnie this past year at KU, She was very hard worker, she knew her job very well along with the rules in how t do things the way were to be done. Thank for showing us the right way. My God watch over you family. A friend Theresa
Bob…So sorry for your loss. Know that you and Chris are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and remember the good times!
I worked with Bonnie at Wendys a long time ago…she was a great person to work for….Im sorry for your loss she was a very nice person
Bob and Chris,
Thinking of you both during this difficult time. I worked with Bonnie many years ago and wrote to her recently to let her know I was thiking of her. We had many SOCIAL MEETINGS at Dillons, we talked and laughed and I promised to try knitting and she always offered to teach me. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Nancy J Dixon
Dear Bob and Chris,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I will miss talking all things KU athletics with Bonnie in the office – there has truly never been a more loyal Jayhawk! May you find comfort and strenght in one another during this difficult time.
Fondly,
Kelly
I am very sorry for your loss. I will really miss my conversations with Bonnie at work. I would often cross paths with Bonnie in the b-school’s faculty/staff lounge and we would chat while she was eating and I was preparing my lunch. Not surprisingly we often talked about food (she had some strong opinions!) — but also about gardening, her love for London and many, many other things. They were never long conversations, but they were always enjoyable. My workplace and lunchtime will not be as interesting without Bonnie. With condolences, Jim Guthrie.
Bob,
Hold on to the memories and they will see you through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let me know if I can do anything.
Bob ~ Please know we are all thinking of you during this difficult time. No one is ever ready to say good-bye but know that you did everything you could for Bonnie. You was a committed and dedicated husband… kim y
Bob and Chris,
I cannot tell you how shocked and saddened I am to find this out today. I always got such a kick out of Bonnie. She was one of the smartest people on her feet I have ever known. Always positive, always smiling, and always seemed to do great work.
Rob
Bob,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Liz
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Bob,
I am sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracy Jackson
Bob, I am so sorry for your loss.
Bonnie leaves a big void in our lives. I first met Bonnie in a knitting class years ago. We were lucky to have such a wonderful teacher. As a co-worker in the Business School she’ll be missed every day.
Bob, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you.
Bob ~ We are deeply sorry for your loss. You and family are in our thoughts & prayers. ~ donna
So sorry to hear about Bonnie. What a kind person. She had such a passion for helping people learn how to knit. I remember that even though she didn’t know me well, she offered to meet me on her own time to help me with a project.
Bob,
I am thinking about you and Chris and am so very sorry for your loss. I look forward to catching up with you soon.
Jennifer
Bob & Chris~
I was so sorry to read that Bonnie had passed away. She was one of the sweetest hardworking dedicated people I had the privilege work with and know.
Sending you a big hug!
Diane
Bonnie’s passion for travel, for cats and horses, and for all things English were things I very much enjoyed about Bonnie. She donated beautiful cat beds, as beautifully knitted as a sweater, to the School of Business’ fund raising projects for the Lawrence Humane Society.
I’ve sat with former co-workers today, sharing our remembrances of Bonnie. I loved the story of how she brought home her first pony in the back seat of the family car.
She added character to our lives.
Bob I am so sorry to hear this news. I still remember the adorable hats she made the twins! Thinking of you!
My deepest sympathy for your loss Bob. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers for your family. I knew Bonnie through knitting class at Yarn Barn. She was always a very kind and patient person to me.
Bob and family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shannon Kimball and family
Bob,
I’m so,so sorry about Bonnie’s passing. I know you must be devastated. I just can’t imagine what you must be going through, and I send you my heartfelt condolences. please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim
Bob
I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts.
Sincerely
Mary K. Beck-Holloway
Bob…I was so shocked to see that Bonnie had passed. I just talked with Patti the other day. Bonnie was the main reason John and I went to London this past September. I am so glad she got to have the travels she had. We missed her at KU this past year! Karen
Dear Bob and Chris,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. I have worked with Bonnie in the Business School and always enjoyed visiting with her about her knitting projects. She was a wonderful lady. I always adored Bonnie for her crafty talents. She will be missed.
My sincere condolences.
Sonja