Gloria Byam

Gloria Joyce Byam, age 81, died October 19, 2012, surrounded by family supporting her in her final battle against the relentless complications of diabetes. Born November 28, 1930, to Edward Nicholas Hahn and Henrietta (Peggy) Belle Johnson, Gloria was a lifelong resident of Independence, Missouri. She attended Bristol Elementary School and graduated from Northeast High School in 1948. Gloria attended William Jewel College before beginning her secretarial career: two years at the division office of Pillsbury Mills, Bakery Products Division; 6 years at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell; and Byam Engineering from 1958 until retirement in 1990. Gloria met her husband, Frank Leslie Byam III, on a blind date in 1954. They married in 1956 and had four children. Gloria’s entire life was devoted to family and friends. Beginning in the early 1960s, Gloria, Frank and the children would retreat to their cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks nearly every other weekend from Easter until Thanksgiving. Family and friends have many fond memories of their times at the Lake. It was amazing how Gloria could feed an army from the tiniest kitchen — no one ever went hungry, not even the boys in their teenage years! Gloria and Frank spent many weeks there after they retired until their health issues prevented their travels. Gloria was an avid reader, loved music, spectator sports, needlework and entertaining family and friends. She and Frank hosted a Christmas Eve open house for 35 years. Gloria was a member of the Girl Scouts of America, Beta Sigma Omicron Sorority, the Independence Junior Service League (Sustainer Emeritus), the PTA (Lifetime Member), and First Baptist Church of Independence. Gloria is preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her parents, Ed and Peggy Hahn; and her grandson, Robert (Robbie) Byam. She is survived by two daughters, two sons, and spouses: Leslie and Ralph Gilbert, Linda and Mark Malott, Brad and Donna Byam, and Fred and Pam Byam; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill D. and Jackie Hahn; her sister, Darlene Smith of Jetmore, Kansas; brother- and sister-in-law Joe and Betty (Byam) Hartmeyer; 13 grandchildren: Melanie Gilbert; Christopher Cox (Adrienne), Chance, Sarah and Molly Malott; Randall, Rebecca and Jessica (John Hendrickson) Byam; Jamie, Audrey, Lindsay Rachel (Aaron Boman) and Kelli Byam; great granddaughter Isa Cox (and Nolan Hendrickson on the way); nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2012, with a visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Burial at Mt. Washington Cemetery, Independence Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to American Diabetes Association, Children’s Mercy Hospital, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arr. Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600) Rest in peace, Mom. We love you