Mayone Ann Byron

MAYONE ANN (MILLER) BYRON, age 96 of Waseca, died on the evening of Saturday, October 5, 2024 at her home at Oak Terrace in North Mankato.

Born December 23, 1927, Mayone was the oldest child of George and Gertrude (Garrigan) Miller. Growing up, Mayone enjoyed helping her father on her family’s farm. In 1945 she graduated from Waterville High School and went on to work as a nurse after attending St. Mary’s School and Creighton University. When Mayone met Paul Byron, she was struck by the kindness she saw in his eyes. The two were married on April 2, 1956 and built a life together spanning 68 years.

Mayone had many talents. Her china paintings beautifully captured scenes of local wildlife and were treasured by her family and friends. Mayone was also a celebrated cook. Her biscuits and chocolate chip cookies were popular amongst her children and grandchildren. Mayone knew everyone’s favorite food and would make it for you if she knew you were coming over. It was one of the many ways Mayone made everyone feel special.

If Mayone wasn’t at the kitchen table solving crossword puzzles in the newspaper, you could find her in the garden tending to her vegetables and flowers, which she shared with everyone she knew.

Throughout her life Mayone cared deeply for the people she loved. Her generous spirit and giving heart were what made her an incredible sister, nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family and friends cherish the memories they made with Mayone and feel blessed to have been loved and cared for by her. The family extends their sincerest gratitude to the caretakers at Oak Terrace and Mayo Hospice Service for the genuine support and compassionate care they gave Mayone.

Mayone is survived by her husband and eight children, Vince (LeeAnn) Byron of Cave Creek, AZ, Paul Byron of Waseca, Edward (Anne) Byron of Waseca, Marie Byron of Maple Grove, Leo Byron of Waseca, Don (Jolette) Byron of Waseca, Joan (Tim) Biegert of Owatonna, and Carrol (Murray) McCartan of Richfield; seventeen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters, Sister Janice Miller, Donna Murphy, Ethel Kotchevar, Cathy (Jerry) Collins; sister-in-law Christina Miller; brother-in-law Jim Byron. She was preceded in death by both parents; daughter, Patricia Byron; brother, Harry Miller; daughter-in-law, Pamela Byron; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack Murphy, Jim Kotchevar, Mildred Marple, Rita Byron, George and Mary Jane Byron, Ray and Helen Curran, Sister Colleen Byron, and Bill and Mary Ann Byron.

Visitation will be held Friday October 11, 2024 at State Street Chappel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral Homes from 4-7 p.m. followed by a prayer service. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with Father Glenn Frerichs officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Hammer & NER (1909 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391). https://hammer.org/give/