Dona F. Byard

WILDER—Dona F. Byard, 52, died Monday, June 23, 2008, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in White River Junction.

She was born January 12, 1956, in Barre, the daughter of Donald and Doris (Burns) Tucker.

She attended schools in Vermont, Maine, Maryland, and earned her GED in Arkansas. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 1977-80. She married Billy Byard January 10, 1981, in Little Rock, Ark. She worked as a truck driver and as a retail clerk while living in Arkansas. The Byards moved back to Vermont in 1984 where she worked as a personal care assistant for several years and was an advocate for special education. She moved to Wilder in 2005.

She enjoyed sewing, crafts of all kinds, fishing, the outdoors, and animals. She especially enjoyed dancing and was with the Larkin Dancers for three years.

Survivors include her husband, Billy Byard of Wilder; three sisters, Darcy Hamlin of Braintree, Debra Tucker of Randolph, and Dru-Ellen Riggs of Plainfield; six nephews and four nieces; and Mary, her companion dog.

She was predeceased by her parents, a son, Donald Willig; a brother, David Blondin; and a sister, Diane Vasquez.

Graveside services were held Monday, June 30, at the East Braintree Cemetery. Rev. Timothy Eberhardt officiated and Paul Erlbaum and Norma Tuttle shared remembrances. Full military honors were conducted by the Vermont Army National Guard. The flag was presented to Billy Byard.

Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com

Arrangements are under the direction of the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.

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