SR1120 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1120 LRB099 14787 MST 38947 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Bertha Irene "Birdie" Byron of Wood River, who passed away on October 5, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Birdie Byron was born in Alton on August 31, 1914 to August Peter and Emma Theresa (nee Nolan) Eckhard; she married Ralph Christoe Byron in Collinsville on October 16, 1936; and

WHEREAS, Birdie Byron had been employed as an admitting clerk at Wood River Township Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Birdie Byron served as a volunteer for Wood River Hospital, St. Anthony Hospital for over 40 years, and Ursuline Convent auxiliaries; she was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, the Wood River Heritage Council, and the Wood River Women's Club; she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, singing, and dancing; and

WHEREAS, Birdie Byron was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her parents; her 3 brothers, Nolan, August, and Michael Eckhard; her 5 sisters, Agnes Calvin, Florence Hartman, Augusta Miller, Virginia Tonsor, and Josephine Eckhard; her son-in-law, Charles Yarnell; and her grandson, Brock Yarnell; and

WHEREAS, Birdie Byron is survived by her son, John (Sherrie) Byron; her daughters, Marsha Yarnell, Jean (Ralph) Bruce, and Mary Jo (Ron) Schmidt; her 14 grandchildren; her 22 great-grandchildren; and her 6 great-great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Bertha Irene "Birdie" Byron, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Birdie Byron as an expression of our deepest sympathy.