Elise Ann Byers

Born August 21, 1963, in Peoria to Joseph R. and Janet Louise (Baer) Pesha, she married Timothy Byers on April 24, 1981 in Manito.

Elise was a 1981 graduate of Forman High School in Manito. She later received her Associate’s Degree from Illinois Central College and then received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University.

Elise worked for Rivian in Bloomington for the last four years. She previously worked at Horace Mann in Springfield as a program analyst and was a contracted as a testing analyst in the IT Dept. at State Farm Insurance.

Elise was a loving and kindhearted wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother whose faith and family were the center of her life. She had a heart for others, always putting their needs before her own and offering kindness without hesitation. She found joy in giving, whether through a helping hand, a comforting word, or simply being present for those she loved. No matter what challenges arose, Elise always reassured her family that everything was going to be alright. She believed in living in the moment, never dwelling on the negative, and encouraging those around her to do the same.

Her unwavering faith gave her strength, and she carried that faith into every aspect of her life. Elise cherished every moment with her family, especially during their travels to places like Alaska, Las Vegas, California, Yellowstone, Steamboat Springs, and Gulf Shores. She also enjoyed the warmth of Hallmark movies, but her greatest joy was creating lasting memories with her loved ones, always reminding them to embrace life with love and faith.

Elise formerly attended Pekin Church of God and Eastview Christian Church in Normal.

Surviving are her husband of 43 years; her father, Joseph Pesha of Manito; four sons, Joshua Byers of Oakland, California, Jacob (Nicoli) Byers of Lincoln, Justin (Samantha) Byers of DeForest, Wisconsin and Jason (Ashley) Byers of Mapleton; one daughter, Joanne Byers of Bloomington; 11 grandchildren, Taylor, Travis, Tara, Tessa, Brody, Bryson, Briella, Claire and Amelia Byers and Jesse and Shelby Butcher and five siblings, Steve Pesha of Manito, Troy (Cathy) Pesha of San Jose, Joanne (Ritchie) Winterboer of Manito, Shelly Pesha of Mapleton and Susan (Matt) Roberts of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Pesha.

Her funeral will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Vernon Risner will officiate. Visitation will be at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, 2900 Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61603.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com