Marilyn Joan Byer

Marilyn Joan Byer, 97, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025, at home. Born November 24, 1927, in Albany, New York she was a daughter of the late John S. and Irene (Leazotte) Bantham. 

She graduated from Albany High School with the Class of 1945. Following graduation, she was employed at the New York State Department of Health in the lab as a technician. While working in New York Joan met Eugene Byer in 1947 and they married December 18, 1948. In 1950, they moved back to Indiana and started Farmers Grain and Feed. Joan worked as a lab technician at the Linvill Clinic for a few years. She joined a bridge club that met once a month for 57 years. Joan and Eugene were members of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia City. Joan co-founded CJ's Miniatures with Carolyn K. Wilson, a venture they passionately nurtured from 1982 to 2016.

Joan's adventurous spirit shone brightly as she traveled extensively with her beloved husband, Eugene. Together, they explored the beauty of the United States and ventured overseas, creating stories filled with laughter, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Throughout her life, she embodied the spirit of family. Joan's greatest joy came from spending time with her loved ones, creating memories that would be cherished forever. 

She is survived by her children, Valerie (Richard) Rouch, John Byer, and David (Heidi) Byer; grandchildren, Jarod (Julie) Mills, Clark Mills, Andrew (Kati) Mills, Chelsie Byer (Wesley Geisler), Weston (Rachelle) Cearbaugh, and Jacob Byer; great grandchildren, Ricky, Ryan, Danyn, Caydence, Madison, Jayce, Maxwell, Bryelle, Carter, Brayden, Emma, and Clementine. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Byer (May 12, 2010); daughter, Susan Byer Cearbaugh; sister, Irene Frederick; grandson, Joshua Mills; and granddaughter, Meredith Cearbaugh. 

 Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Friday, January 10, 2025, with calling one hour prior also at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Thorn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in memory of Joan to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, PO BOx 5, Huntertown, IN 46748 or Heartland Hospice, 2720 Dupont Commerce Ct., #210, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Joan's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.