Marianne Byars

Marianne Byars, 90 of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.She was born November 23, 1923 in Duisburg, Germany, the daughter of Anton Dohmen and Maria (Stemmor) Dohmen. She married Howard K. Smith on September 20, 1947 in Stmttgart, Germany and came to the United States on November 17, 1947. She divorced in 1977 and married Doyle K. Byars and he preceded her in death.Mrs. Byars is survived by two sons: Kenneth Smith and wife Donna of Carol Stream, Illinois and Michael Smith and wife Sabrina of Centralia; a daughter, Kathy Greiner and husband Bill of Bradley, Illinois; three grandchildren: Shawn File and wife Shelly of DuQuoin, Megan Layman and husband Dan of Apex, NC and Eric Smith of Centralia; two stepgrandchildren: Kari Allen and husband Nick of Bradley, Illinois and Jamie Wilborn and husband Eric of Manteno, Illinois; three great-grandchildren: Delainey File, Eli File, Caitney File and Beckett File all of DuQuoin and Abby Kate Layman and Benjamin Layman both of Apex, NC; a sister, Imge Koppenburg and husband Guido of Germany and a nephew, Hans Herbert of Germany.She was preceded in death by her parents, a husband and a nephew, Walter Driesen.Mrs. Byars worked 14 years at Mother’s Bakery, 4 years at Gross Style Shop, several years at Tot & Teen Shop, Mary Fay Shop, Pizzeria and 14 years at Murray Center as a Volunteer Grandmother. She loved music and belonged to a Card Club, when they got together once a month. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia. She enjoyed hosting and entertaining guests at her home and she also enjoyed taking care of animals and her cat, Tabby. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, December 20, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Monsignor David Darin officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service at 2:00 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the House of Hope and will be accepted at Hillcrest Funeral Home and Cremation Center, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.hillcrest1921.com

Marianne Byars

November 23, 1923 - December 17, 2013