Rosalie Byers

Rosalie Byers
Rosalie Byers, 89, died early Thursday morning July 10 2003 at her home following an
extended illness. Her primary caregiver during this period was her granddaughter Susan Bernauer.
She was born October 12, 1913 in Arcadia, Kansas, one of two daughters and a
son of Herman and Ora Lee Snoddy. She married her husband Chris J. Byers September
2, 1934 in St. Joseph, Missouri where he began his career as an optician. They later
moved to Springfield, Missouri and then to Topeka where they established Byers Optical
Service in 1950 with offices in the Mills Building. They sold the business after 28 years
in 1978 to James and Phyllis Bloomar who continue to operate the business under the
Byers name.
Rosalie was a Charter Member of the Opticians Association of Kansas and participated
in the activities of several other groups and organizations throughout her lifetime. Her
hobbies and leisure time interests included sewing, knitting and improving her skills as an
organist.
She was preceded in death by her brother Dea Snoddy, her husband Chris in 1998, and
a son Gerald in 2000.

Survivors include a daughter Barbara J. Gottschamer, and son Michael D. Byers, DDS of
Topeka, and a sister Margaret Black, McAllen, Texas. She also leaves 9 grandchildren
and 13 great grandchildren.
Services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2003 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel.
Mrs. Byers will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Friday at the mortuary where visitation will be from
7:00 to 8:00 pm Friday. Interment will be at West Lawn Memorial Gardens following a brief
graveside service. The family requests that memorial contributions be made in care
of Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th , Topeka, KS 66614 or the American Cancer Society., 1315 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604.