Mildred T. Space Byers Obituary (1920 - 2021)

Mildred T. Space Byers, age 100, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, January 1, 2021. She was born in Reidsburg, PA on October 22, 1920, the fifth child of the late James and Ethel Hartzell Space. Mildred started working as a Mother's Helper at the age of 14, then at Lord Corp during the war. Afterward, she was a homemaker. Mildred was very proud that at the age of 60, she went to night school and received her GED. She and her husband traveled all over the US in their camper. After his early death, she went to Hawaii and many road trips with her sister, Eva and her husband, Gene, in their large camper. She never lost the "bug" to travel. Because of a bad fall at the age of 96, Mildred moved in with her daughter and son-in-law. Although blind in one eye, she continued to be an avid reader. She was a founding charter member of the Garden Heights Baptist Church, attending until prohibited by health issues. She was also a member of the senior LSP group and other senior groups. Mildred started an "UNO" group with her Christian friends, which lasted for many years. In addition to her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her siblings, James and Thomas Space, Sarah Ruffner, Edna Forringer, Elsie Wilson, Eva Learn, Florence Eberlin and Geraldine Space; one granddaughter, Bonnie McElhenie-Root; one son-in-law, W. John Druzak; and her husband, Galen Byers in 1975, whom she married in 1939. Mildred is survived by two sisters, Alda Whitehill of Erie, and Leona Servey of Reidsburg; her only child and caretaker, Eileen Byers-Druzak of Erie; her foster son, Vernon Bell of Lexington, KY (whom she raised from the age of 2); two grandchildren, Sharon McElhenie-Colley (Richard) and Steven McElhenie of Erie; nine great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Mildred's family would to especially thank Gert and Dawn from VNA Hospice for their care and support. Due to Covid-19, there will be no calling hours. Private burial will take place at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery beside her husband. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd.