Mary Lou Byers, 80, of Zumbrota, Minnesota peacefully passed away Monday morning, May 18, 2026, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born January 9, 1946, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin to Mark & Thelma (Miller) Kauffman.

Mary Lou was baptized as a youth into the Sheldon Mennonite Church. She was united in marriage to Paul Byers Jr. on June 2, 1964. They began their married life dairy farming near Sheldon, Wisconsin. In the mid 70's they spent two years in southern Minnesota grain farming. They moved back to the Sheldon area until 1982 when they relocated to Augusta, Wisconsin. As part of their church's outreach effort, they relocated again to Brodhead, Wisconsin in 1998 where they took up furniture building. Later in their retirement years, they settled near Zumbrota to be close to their children. They joined the Rolling Meadows Mennonite Church where she was a faithful member at the time of her death.

She will be fondly remembered by her husband, Paul, of nearly 62 years, their 8 children; Edith (George) Near of Osage, IA; Mark (Carla) of Augusta, WI; Twila (Mahlon) Mast of Victoria, VA; Norma (Alfred) Bear of Goodhue, MN; Leon (Beth) of Mazeppa, MN; LaVern (Rose) of Augusta, WI;  Eugene (Kristine) of Augusta, WI; and Marvin (Jessica) of Augusta, WI, 53 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 grandsons, her parents, 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her hospitality and willingness to help others. She liked to share cookies with friends and family. She was an avid homemaker and especially enjoyed gardening, sewing and tending her flowers. The confirmation of her cancer recurrence three months ago was difficult. Through the years, her quiet acceptance of the circumstances God brought into her life was an inspiration to those around her.

Visitation: Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Funeral service: Sunday 10:00 a.m.; all at the Rolling Meadows Mennonite Church, 37509 County 2 Blvd, Goodhue, MN 55027.