Byers, Jeanne Marshall

Jeanne Marshall Byers, 93, died Monday, July 29, 2013, in her Fort Myers, Fla., home, with her husband of 67 years, Frank, tenderly holding her hand. Their life together was one of deepening love, adventure, friends and family, but best defined by devotion to each other.

Jeanne is survived by Frank; sons, Craig (Susan), Scott (Janice) and David (Ellen); grandchildren, Heather, Lindsey and Craig Byers and Erin Langdon (Britton); great-grandson, Thomas; sisters, Fran Lash and Mari Lou Plain; and brother, John Marshall (Leslie).

The daughter of Verne and Clementine Marshall, she was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, graduating from McKinley High School and Northwestern University, where she was a member of the Pi Phi sorority. Following family tradition - Verne was the Pulitzer Prize-winning editor and publisher of The Gazette - she became a reporter for the Monrovia (Calif.) News Press before returning to Iowa, marrying Frank and raising her three boys.

Jeanne was a dynamic force. A big personality. Strong willed. One cannot think of her and picture her backpedaling. Only charging ahead. At Jeanne speed. She knew how to laugh and had a BIG laugh. What a great quality. Recently, when Alzheimer's disease attempted to stake its claim, she was, in her way, defiant. She never got angry or mean. Instead she chose to plan for a party, to have people over, or get ready to go out. Her notes to others often ended with three exclamation points. Or four. Exactly how she lived her life.

A gathering of friends will be planned for a future date.

Published Aug. 1, 2013 in The Gazette