Shirley Mardell Eyer was born on a farm southeast of Nemaha, IA, to Samuel and Marie (Hosteng) Peterson on October 1, 1926. She entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at English Valley Care Center in North English, IA at the age of 88.
Shirley attended school at Nemaha, Sac City, country school at Dahl School near Sloan, and graduated from Onawa High School with the Class of 1944. Following high school, she attended Luther College in Decorah, IA.
On March 14, 1947, Shirley was united in marriage to Donald James Byers at Onawa, IA. To this union three children were born: Steven Michael, Maurice Donald and Carol Lavon. The family made their home in Sloan, IA. Donald died on the farm April 19, 1971. Following Donald’s death, Shirley worked as a library assistant at Marian Health Center until her retirement.
Shirley married LaVern Carl Samuel Eyer on November 10, 1972 at Skien Lutheran Church. LaVern died on December 31, 1994.
Shirley was an active member at Skien Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Smith-Rhodes Post #295. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, fishing, traveling and spending time with family.
Shirley is survived by her three children: Steve (Nancy) Byers of Crystal Lake, IL; Maurice (Marilyn) Byers of Smithland, IA; and Carol (Avery) Montz of Webster, IA; two step-children: Steve (Marie) Eyer of California and Diane (Bill) Bronson of Florida; grandchildren: Troy Byers; Tim Byers; Rebecca (Steve) George; Nathan (Alison) Byers; Sarah (Dave Piatt) Byers; Mathew (Amy) Byers; Noel Montz; Craig (Tina) Montz; and Ryan Montz; step-grandchildren: Araya Hooper and Adam Holdgrafer; great grandchildren: Elizabeth and Mitchell George; Maddie Suing; Parker Byers; Connor, Sydney and Paige Byers; and Aiden, Conner and Lason Montz; step-great grandchildren: Preston and Drew Hooper; and Skylar Holdgrafer; brother-in-law, Glen Jenkins; sister-in-law, Jan LaRue; nieces and nephews (especially the LaRue gang); other relatives and many friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Donald Byers and LaVern Eyer; sister, Audry LaRue; brother-in-law, Mac LaRue; brother-in-law, Earl and Helen Byers; sister-in-law, Alice Jenkins; and a great grandson, Hunter Maurice Byers.