Mary Ellen Byerly, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 14, 2026 in Mount Vernon, Washington.

She was born on November 11, 1935, in Elgin, Illinois, to Herbert and Elizabeth (Anderson) Heinicke. On June 16, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Lloyd Byerly, in Champaign, Illinois.

Mary made her home in Lyman, Washington, where she devoted many years to teaching school until her retirement. She loved her work deeply, and her impact endured far beyond the classroom she was still welcoming visits from former students in recent years, a testament to the lasting impression she made.

A woman of strong faith, Mary was an active member and elder in her Mount Vernon Presbyterian church, where she served in various leadership roles and gave generously of her time and spirit.

Mary experienced profound loss in her lifetime, having been preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Byerly, and her two sons, Todd Cameron Byerly and Kent Randall Byerly, as well as her parents.

She is lovingly remembered by her granddaughter, Allison Byerly; her grandson, Calvin Byerly; and her brother, Ken Heinicke.

Services will be announced at a later date. Please share your memories of Mary and sign the online guest register.