Martha M. (Murphy) Byers

Martha M. (Murphy) Byers, age 84 of Williamsport, died at 9:23 am on Friday, August 28, 2009 at IU Medical Center in Indianapolis. Martha was born on May 11, 1925 in Marshfield, IN. She was the daughter of Ted and Ruth (Hensley) Murphy. She was a Warren County resident all of her life. She attended school in Johnsonville and Marshfield, and was a 1943 graduate of West Lebanon High School. On November 11, 1943 she married Ralph Byers in Williamsport. He survives. Martha worked as a cook at Seeger High School. She also worked for the Marshfield Elevator. Later she was a caregiver for residents in Warren County. She was a member of the Williamsport United Methodist Church, the UMW, and a choir member. She was in charge of organizing the food pantry at the Williamsport United Methodist Church and it was one of her joys. She like to travel, work puzzles and read. Her greatest joy in life was helping others. Surviving with her husband, Ralph, are 3 children, Connie Gowen of Danville, IL, Raymond Byers (wife: Carol) of West Lafayette, IN, and Bonnie Myers (husband: Gary) of Williamsport; 1 sister, Peggy Hobson (husband: Fred) of West Lebanon; 7 granddaughters; and 19 great-grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, Danny Murphy, and 1 sister, Betty Hanover. Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Monday, August 31, 2009 from 4:000 to 8:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Williamsport United Methodist Church with Rev. Cathy McCoy officiating. Interment will be at West Lebanon Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Williamsport United Methodist Church Food Pantry.