In Memory of

LaWana

R.

Byars

Obituary for LaWana R. Byars

85, died Sunday, February 21, 2021 at home, surrounded by family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 26th, 2 pm at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, KS. She was born in Winfield, KS, October 19, 1935, and grew up on the family farm in Udall, the 2nd of 3 children. She moved to Wichita as an adult and worked at Boeing in the 50’s and 60’s. She joined FlightSafety International, Lear Jet Center in the 70’s and continued to work there until she retired in 2013. She was a long time member of Kappa Epsilon, Sigma Phi Gamma social sorority. Always active, you could find her on her daily walks around the neighborhood or taking exercise classes at Genesis. She enjoyed dancing all of her life. Beginning with going to dances with her parents, to dinner clubs, to being a regular fixture at the senior dances, throughout Wichita, late in life. She is survived by her son, Kurt (Connie) of Belle Plaine; daughter, Dione of Wichita; grandchildren, Alyssa and Austin; great-grandchildren, Bentley and Hadley; sister, Marilyn (late Charles) Storey of Manhattan, KS; and brother, Keith (Vicky) of Udall and their families. Preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Carol Grant of Udall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Kansas Humane Society in honor of her furry friend, Mojo.