Ethel M. Byer

Ethel Morena Zimmerman Byer, 105, formerly of Ft. Plain, passed away peacefully Monday, June 9, 2008 at Palatine Nursing Home. She was born in Ft. Plain May 4, 1903 to the late Asa and Rowena Bellinger Zimmerman. Mrs. Byer was a life resident of the area and was a graduate of Ft. Plain High School. In her earlier years, Mrs. Byer worked as a Secretary for Beech-Nut in Canajoharie before her marriage to Carlton H. Byer. Together they lived on, and ran a small farm in Ft. Plain for many years. Mrs. Byer was of Universal Faith and was a former member of the Ft. Plain D.A.R. as well as having served on the council at Palatine Nursing Home where she, happily, spent her final years. She loved her extended family in Palatine and would often sing to the nurses and aids at the Nursing Home where she will be sadly missed. Her loving family includes her daughter and son-in-law, Ruth B. and Richard A. Grounds, Sr. of Loudonville, her grandchildren, Debra Ziaja of Adams, MA and Richard A. Grounds, Jr. of Earlton, NY and her great-grandchildren, Malina and Anelia Ziaja and Julia Rose Grounds. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Byer was predeceased by her husband, Carlton H. Byer, in 1983. A Graveside Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Today, June 11 at Ft. Plain Cemetery with Rev. Nancy Ryan, conducting. Contributions in Mrs. Byer's memory may be made to Palatine Nursing Home, 154 LaFayette st., Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.