She was born May 16, 1912 in Peoria, IL to Anton and Rose (Kuchen) Starcevich the fifth of six children. She married Dr. Richard S. Byers. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded by three sisters, Ann Durbin, Mary Butnuh, Toni Pattison; and one brother, John Starr.
Surviving is her son, John A. (Lavonna) Bowers of Independence, MO; two grandsons, Terry and Todd Bowers; two great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Garrett; brother, Albert R. (Lynn) Starr of Peoria; and many nieces and nephews.
Emma worked at Proctor Hospital in Peoria as the medical records librarian until she retired. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kickapoo, IL.
Cremation has been accorded. Memorial Mass will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the Waters of Life Chapel at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria. There will be no visitation. Burial of ashes will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West Peoria at a later date. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Lutheran Hillside Village or to her church.
