Marie "Ann" Byers

Marie “Ann” Byers, age 96, of Beattie, Kansas, entered eternal life on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Frankfort Community Care Home in Frankfort, Kansas.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville, with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 24, at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. Burial will follow in Beattie Union Cemetery.

Marie was born March 31, 1930, in Washington, Kansas, the daughter of Alvin D. and Hazel M. (Gauby) Smart. Her family moved to Beattie when she was in the first grade. She attended Beattie schools and graduated from Beattie High School in 1948.

On June 5, 1948, Marie was united in marriage to Wayne “Emmett” Byers at the United Methodist Church in Beattie. The couple made their home in Beattie, where they raised their five children and spent the remainder of their lives.

While attending high school, Marie worked at McMahan Grocery Store. In 1958, Marie and Emmett purchased Byers Grocery, which they owned and operated for 40 years. During that time, they expanded their business to include Byers Fire Extinguisher. Together, they served the Beattie community until closing the business in 1998.

Marie enjoyed spending summers camping and fishing with Emmett and their family at Tuttle Creek and Milford Lakes. She was a talented seamstress who made many clothes for herself and her daughters. She also enjoyed crocheting doilies, which she lovingly shared with family and friends. In her later years, Marie became known for her homemade pies, especially apple, rhubarb and gooseberry, which she sold to friends and customers at the farmers market.

Marie was devoted to her community and generously volunteered her time for many years. She was actively involved with the Beattie Milo Festival committee, helping plan and organize the chicken barbecue, Pancake Days and church bazaars. She especially cherished family gatherings and took great pride in attending and watching her family's activities. In her later years, she enjoyed working on puzzles and reading western novels from the Beattie Traveling Library.

Marie was a longtime member of the Beattie United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women (UMW). In recognition of her dedication and service, she received the Special Mission Recognition pin. When the church closed its doors in 2025, Marie held the distinction of being its oldest living member.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett; her parents; daughter, Kathleen Swanson; grandson, Kevin Byers; sister, Margaret Sweeney; and brother, Alvin Smart Jr.

Survivors include her four children, Wayne (Patty) Byers Jr. of Seneca, KS, Susan (Gary) Rutledge of Whitney, TX, David (Kate) Byers of Beattie, and Mary (Ryan) Holle of Manhattan, KS; son-in-law, Don Swanson of Beattie; sister-in-law, Delores Byers of Springdale, AR; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial fund has been established and will be used in the Beattie community. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.