Grace Downey Byrd

Grace Downey Byrd, a Bella Vista resident, passed away April 10, 2014, at Legacy Village Circle of Life Hospice Home. Grace was the fifth of 10 children born to Andrew and Katie Downey in 1925 in Payne County in the Blackwell area of Oklahoma and raised on a farm in Coyle, Okla. She earned a degree in home economics at Oklahoma A&M College, and after marrying her lifelong partner, Jack Byrd, they resided in several places within the U.S. and even lived in Canada and England. Upon Jack's retirement they moved to Bella Vista in 1976. This year would have marked her 60th year as a PEO member, and she actively participated in the Community Church and Stephen Ministry. Other volunteer work included helping those with Alzheimer's and home delivering meals through Meals on Wheels. She was also a skilled seamstress, a consummate housekeeper and an adoring grandmother. Grace is survived by her husband, two daughters and three grandchildren. The Celebration of Life service will be held at the Community Church's Grace Chapel in Bella Vista on May 17 at 1 p.m. Please make any memorial gifts to your favorite charity. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. Online condolence may be made at www.funeralmation.com.