Rhonda Gail (Harrison) Byars

Rhonda Gail (Harrison) Byars was born June 30, 1957, in Pekin, Illinois to Joseph and Maxine (Bay) Harrison. She grew up in St. Louis, MO, where she attended school and graduated from Pattonville High School class of 1975. Later in life, Rhonda attended Southwest Baptist University in Salem, MO, where she furthered her education and received her associate’s degree. Rhonda met her loving husband, James Byars while she was a waitress at Monte’s restaurant in St. Louis, MO, and James was a truck driver. James would make his appearance at the restaurant near closing time to get a little extra food on his plate and a little extra attention from Rhonda. Rhonda married James on October 3, 1987, in Alley Spring, MO, and their family continued to grow as they were blessed with two sons: Shawn and Shane. Rhonda was devoted to caring for her husband and children, and this continued through her final hours. She was hard-working and dedicated to providing for her family, spending many years of her life in the food and customer service industry. She held many jobs over the years that included Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Salem Refrigeration, Salem HeadStart and twenty-five years at Mobil Salem where she worked at the Taco Bell as manager and later became manager over the store. Many in the community came to know and love Rhonda during these years, she always had kind words and a big smile on her face. Rhonda’s proudest accomplishment and greatest joy was being a daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. She had her children’s and grandchildren’s pictures saved on her computer as a rotating screen saver and she would watch each picture on the slide. Rhonda also enjoyed watching movies at home and her favorite TV show was Little House on the Prairie. Rhonda was a woman of faith and had a giving heart. Rhonda entered eternal rest on Monday, January 6, 2025. She is survived by her loving husband: James Byars of Salem, MO; sons: Shawn Byars and wife Kim of Salem, MO, and Shane Byars and wife Desiree of Marshfield, MO; step-son: Timmothy Byars of Imperial, MO; grandchildren: Chad Stemick and wife Laura of Omaha, NE, Avery Byars of Marshfield, MO, Xander Byars of Marshfield, MO, and Liam Byars of Marshfield, MO; step-grandson: Justin Haney of Salem, MO; sister: Berna Heard and husband Harold of Linn Creek, MO; brother: Dennis Harrison and wife Nancy of Bridgeton, MO; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her parents: Joseph and Maxine (Bay) Harrison. Rhonda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be forever missed by those who knew her best. Funeral Services for Rhonda Gail (Harrison) Byars were held Monday, January 13, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Benjamin Pursifull officiating. Song selections played were “Wind Beneath My Wings”, “I’ll Fly Away”, “Daddy’s Hands”, “On The Wings Of A Dove” and “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven”. Serving as Pallbearers were Joe Firestine, Jeff Brooks, Avery Byars, Chad Stemick, Shane Byars, Shawn Byars, Justin Haney, and Dennis Harrison. Honorary Pallbearers were Jason McElfresh, Herold Heard, and Brian Heard. Burial was in the Byars Family Cemetery, Montauk, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Rhonda Gail (Harrison) Byars

June 30, 1957 - January 6, 2025