Shirley Jean Byard, 78, of Lyons, passed away August 23, 2021 at her home. She was born on October 28, 1942, in Wayne County, Illinois, the daughter of Ogie and Mildred Caldwell Pennington. Shirley has resided in Lyons since 2006, formerly of Hutchinson. She graduated from Buhler High School, with the class of 1962. Shirley worked at Underground Vault and Storage in Hutchinson for thirty-two years and owned and operated Cricket Antiques in Hutchinson. She worked in the Fine Arts building at the State Fair for over thirty-two years. She was a member of Bethany Nazarene Church in Hutchinson and attended the Congregational Church in Little River. She enjoyed spending time with her family; loved going to garage sales; going “junking”; fishing; and enjoyed going to the casino to play slots. On July 11, 1969, Shirley was united in marriage with Kenneth L. “Ken” Byard in Hutchinson. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2015. She is also preceded in death by her parents. Shirley is survived by her son, Shad Byard of Lyons; two grandchildren, Cale Byard and Caitlin Johnson; sister, Martha Dole of Hutchinson; niece, Tish Ewing and husband Travis of Gardner, Kansas; many extended family and friends; and her loving dog and companion, Spot. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday August 28, 2021 at Congregational Church, Little River. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, August 27, 2021 at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons with family present from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.
