Ruth E. Walker Byrne

A funeral service for Ruth E. Walker Byrne, 96, a native Genoan and lifetime Nevada resident, will be 11 a.m. Friday at FitzHenry's Chapel of Faith.

Mrs. Byrne died Jan. 8, 2006, at the Evergreen Health Center in Gardnerville. She was born March 13, 1909, in Genoa, to Henry and Emma Crammer-Bahl Walker, a pioneer family. Her family originally arrived in the Genoa area in 1858.

She married William H. Byrne of Virginia City in 1932.

Before moving to Minden, she lived in Virginia City, Genoa, Carson City and Fallon.

Ms. Byrne retired from the Genoa Elementary School in the 1950s, where she worked as a cook and custodian .

She volunteered for community projects, such as the Genoa Candy Dance.

She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, friends and her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1975; sisters Arleen, Irene, and Bernice; and brothers John, Arthur and George.

Among her survivors are her daughter and son-in-law, Billie Jean and Don Rightmire of Genoa; grandchildren Terry Rightmire of Minden, Robin and wife Paula of Red Rock and Sheryl and husband Lou Dembeck of Reno; one great-grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Burial will be at the Churchill County Cemetery in Fallon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Genoa Museum, care of the Douglas County Historical Society, 1477 Highway 395 N., Gardnerville, NV, 89410.

FitzHenry's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.