June Marie Byrd

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma, June Marie Byrd, on June 8, two days before her 97th birthday. As a woman of quiet strength and dignity, June will be celebrated as the rock of her family.

Born June 10, 1929, in Philadelphia, PA to Erik and Gertrude (Dietz) Lesser. At age 18 she traveled to Alexandria, Ohio, where she met the young man who would later become her husband, John Prout Byrd.

Together for 74 years, June and Johnny built a life together in Alexandria, based on love and devotion to each other. As a homemaker, she and John raised three daughters.

June retired from Northridge Alexandria Elementary School after many years as the office assistant. After her retirement, she spent 10 years as a volunteer at Licking Memorial Hospital. Her retirement days were spent traveling to Maine, tending to her flowers, and cheering on every sporting event and activity that involved her grandchildren, who were her most prized possessions.

Left to honor her memory are daughters Lisa (Scott) Olmstead, Gloria (Don) Bowermaster and Leslie (Bobby) Barrett, Grandchildren Olmy (Laura) Olmstead, Melanie (Andrew) Pharis, Emily Olmstead, Jordan (Faith) Neibarger, Janie Neibarger and Justice Neibarger. Great grandchildren include Abigail Olmstead, Danny and Wylie Pharis, Mason, Bentley and Sydney Bowen and Rory June Neibarger and loving nieces and nephews. Always there for Mom are her dear friends Becki and Danny Disbennett and Leah and Larry Hickman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son in law Don Bowermaster, and the love of her life, John Prout Byrd. We feel fortunate to have had Mom with us for so many great years full of memories.

Per June’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. The family will gather at 11:00 a.m. on June 30, 2026 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Alexandria.

Please make any donations to the Licking County Humane Society or to a charity that is close to your heart.