Sylvia Byers
Sylvia-ann Olga (Bunter) Byers, 86, was called to her heavenly home on Friday, October 25, 2024, while peacefully resting at her care facility in Vista, CA. A devout Christian, Sylvia lived a fulfilling life marked by service and kindness. Five years before her passing from sarcoma, we lost her sharp intellect and detailed memory to dementia following a stroke.
In 1937, Sylvia was born in Burbank, California, to immigrant parents Josef and Olga (née Jeske) Bunter. In 1961, she became the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a degree in Elementary Education from UC Santa Barbara. The following year, she married LeRoy Raymond (Ray) Byers, and they had four children in five years. Sylvia devoted herself to raising them with great care and intention, making motherhood a central focus of her life.
Sylvia also held various jobs while prioritizing time with her children. She managed the books for her husband’s general contracting business through much of their marriage. While raising her own kids, she also fostered 13 children over the years. Later in life, Sylvia worked part-time as a bookkeeper in the accounting department of the UC Santa Barbara bookstore for 15 years.
For 66 years Sylvia was a dedicated, active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church; this church truly was her second home. Genealogy was Sylvia’s favorite hobby. She took great joy in researching her ancestors and their stories, not only for the challenge, but also to honor her ancestors as individuals.
Known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational skills, Sylvia was always willing to take the initiative to help others, and improve situations that crossed her path. She had a deep faith in God and conscientiously tried to do the right thing at all times. Serving others with diligence and kindness was Sylvia’s trademark, and she left a lasting impact on those around her. She was surrounded by a wonderful group of friends and felt so blessed to have them in her life.
Sylvia is survived by her four children: Raymond (Paige Griffin) Byers of Columbia Falls, MT; Alice (Robert) Laufer of Lompoc, CA; Heidi (Matt) Busch of Oceanside, CA; and Eric Byers of Chula Vista, CA; as well as eight grandchildren: Ashley Byers Benefield, Lana and Faline Byers, Valerie and Sevin Laufer, and Margaret Sylvia, Jack, and Katherine Busch. She also leaves behind one great-granddaughter, Emerson Benefield, and her sister, RoseMarie (Dennis) Jones of Goleta, CA.
She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, LeRoy Raymond Byers; her sisters, Beverly (née Bunter) Osness and Suzanne (née Bunter) Andrews; and her infant grandson, Griffin Byers.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 3721 Modoc Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Donations in Sylvia’s memory may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.