When I think back to my childhood on Dearborn Street and our next door neighbors the Byers, there is a flood of very fond memories. Those wonderful times are gone, and unfortunately so are many of those like Mrs. Byers who made those times special for us kids. To my parents she was their friend Anna Margaret, but to me she was the very nice and very generous Mrs. Byers. She was Kitty and Peggy's mom. I remember seeing her spending long hours tending her very large garden, and then always being kind enough to share the wonderful harvest. Memories are all that remain now, but what a gift to have so many great ones of Mrs. Byers.

Grandma you will be so missed. I am so grateful that my girls (Taylor & Madison) got to spend time with you during the Summer. They loved their GG (only grandparent who met them), and I know you LOVED spending time with them and watching them play. I remember growing up all us grandkids playing wiffle ball & croquet on the side yard, picking/eating rasberries from your backyard, your yummy X-mas cookies, putting on shows for you and Grandpa, giving us gum as treats and our little plastic cups with our names on tape. Mike enjoyed talking to you about his job (Air Force), the Big 10, and worldly affairs. These memories I will keep and cherish. I am at peace knowing you are with Grandpa and Uncle Roy pain free and peaceful. Love you young chick!

Peg and family, I'm sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sorry we can't be there for you, we will be thinking of you and your family today and always. Love, Judy Giles & Cari

Kitty, Peg, and families,

I look in the mirror each morning and think of Anna Margaret as I stare at my jawline! And I see that Orr chin in some of the pictures you've posted. (Never could get the hang of saying "Aunt Anna Margaret.") Getting ashes this morning during Ash Wednesday mass was a little more personal. Told Dad that he couldn't be the next to go.

I remember barbecued chicken, pork and beans, cucumber salad, the big open lot next door, the crocheted lady covering the toilet paper, the rec room downstairs, the porch swing, the chicken coop in the next block, pulling down the attic ladder, but mainly the calm acceptance Anna Margaret always seemed to have of whatever was going on around her. I still have the family history she researched, and marvel at how she kept that history in her head. She always had an open door and a generous heart - she taught Dad well. May she rest peacefully now.

Anna was a delightful resident at Iowa City Rehab, she was a dear sweet lady that will be missed dearly. She always offered a smile & a heartfelt thank you anytime I brought her a chocolate milkshake. I will miss her & I know she is smiling down on us because she is at peace. Anna's family shall remain in my prayers.

Glenda Glasgow-Wieneke

Grandma, I guess I don't know where to start. You were always there for me, no matter what kind of trouble or bad decisions I made growing up. You were so understanding, and very wise when it came to life's curve balls. I always looked up to you and came to you when I needed to talk, and you always had an answer for me how to handle a situation. Just last night when we were going through some old photos I wanted to call you and ask who all was in these pictures, but I know I can't do that anymore. I just wanted to let you know that you are going to be missed everyday, and that promise that I made to you about my mom, you don't have to worry about us, we are going to be just fine. Thank you for all that you and Grandpa have done for our family. I love you and always will....Your Grandson Matthew J Piere

Peg,

My sincere condolences at the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I have many fond memories of Anna Margaret, having grown up next door to her, Johnny, Kitty, and Peggy. They include a Bat, sewing machine needle, and a woman who always gave a little kid the "look", whenever he was up to no good. Which in my case, was daily.

In my grown up years, I tried to go and see her whenever I was in town. She always welcomed me, and my family, even when it was on a moments notice. That is until last year, when she said she didn't want us to come. I knew that was the last time I would talk to her.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family. The little boy in me misses her already.

So sorry to hear about Anna Margret. I was only 7 when we moved away from Dearborn, but I would always enjoy stopping back and visiting with her. She was one of the nicest people on the planet.

I have loved getting to know Anna over the last year. She was such a sweet woman with a great smile. I am happy that I got the chance to know her and be with her on her last day. My thoughts and prayers are with Anna and her family.