Joan Byrd

Fayette County native, Joan W. Byrd, 85, died Monday, March 25, 2019, at Whitewater Commons Senior Living Center in Liberty. Joan was born June 17, 1933 to Edward B. and Aggeliece Bowne West and attended area schools. She was employed at Philco-Ford and its successors from 1967 to 1972. Joan enjoyed collecting a variety of items, including toys and tiny lighters. In her leisure time, she liked working in the yard and building furniture from kits. Joan is survived by her children: Beverly Jones, Becky Ripberger and her husband, Rodney, all of Liberty; Vicki Johnson and her companion, Denver Witt; Jeff Byrd, all of Everton; John Byrd and his wife, Darlene of Connersville; her sister: Betty Linville of Clarksburg; seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, four step- great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren with another due soon, six step-great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and her Yorki dog, Roxy. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Byrd whom she married December 14, 1968 in Jellico, Tennessee; Mr. Byrd died July 9, 2007; her step-son: Jerry Nichols; two brothers: Edward and Paul West; her great-granddaughter: Mary Morgan and her Yorki dog, Bubby. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Pastor Freddie Helton of the Everton Southern Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery, section J. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 12 noon Friday until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Humane Society, POBox 344, Connersville, IN 47331 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 681550, Indianapolis, IN 46268. For additional information and added features, log on to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.