Waneta Byrnes

Waneta Ann (Frisbie) Byrnes, age 89, of Ovid, MI, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her children on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.

Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI on Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 6-8 P.M. and Friday, June 28, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.  Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI.  A meal will be served at the Ovid Lions Club.

Waneta was born in Ovid, MI on May 2, 1930, the only child of Ira and Myrtle (Marvin) Frisbie, of Ovid MI.  She graduated from Ovid High School with the class of 1948 and attended 1 year of nursing school at St. Lawrence Hospital.  On November 5, 1949 she married Robert “Bob” Byrnes in Laingsburg, MI; they were married for 67 years.

Waneta was a homemaker and mother/grand mother to her 7 beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Waneta's passion was spending time with her family, friends and traveling the world.  She served on the Cemetery Board (10 yrs), was a lifetime member of the Historical Society, served on the Board of Senior Citizens Apartments (15 yrs), member of the Ovid-Elsie School Board (16 yrs) and Meals on Wheels (35 yrs).  She enjoyed going to the theater, especially in New York City, reading and playing games.

She is survived by her 2 daughters: Sherry Byrnes of Ovid, MI; Julie Byrnes and Gloria Beth of Alpena, MI; 4 sons: Rob Byrnes of Howell, MI; Kevin and Lori Byrnes of Fowlerville, MI; Mark and Darlene Byrnes of Laingsburg, MI; Brad and Kelly Byrnes of Laingsburg, MI; daughter in-law Terri Byrnes of Adrian, MI; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her parents, husband Bob Byrnes, and son Paul Byrnes.

Memorials Contributions are suggested to the Ovid Public Library Building Fund for the future addition of the Robert and Waneta Byrnes' Children's Room.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.