COLUMBUS
Phyllis D. Byrnes, 78, a lifelong resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life November 6, 2025, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. Phyllis was born January 28, 1947, to the late John D. and Lola Bell Gobel Waltz.
Phyllis’s journey through life was one marked by devotion and joy. On September 28, 1967, she united in marriage with Ronald L. “Bernie” Byrnes, who remains to honor her memory. Their love story is one of enduring partnership and mutual respect. Phyllis’s legacy continues through her beloved daughter, Lisa (Ray) Szostak of Columbus, her adored grandsons, Brian (Brittany) Stam and Brandon (Kelly) Stam, and her cherished great-grandsons, Brennen, Brayden, Zander, and Sawyer Stam.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Leah Byrnes, and her sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Butch Mires.
A proud 1965 graduate of Columbus High School, Phyllis furthered her education at beauty school, graduating in 1967. Her professional life was as diverse as it was fulfilling. She served as the cafeteria manager at Northside Middle School and also shared her talents as a beautician earlier in her career.
Phyllis was a dedicated member of the First Church of the Nazarene, where she found great comfort and community. Phyllis had an eye for beauty, which she expressed through her love of decorating her home for every holiday. Her flower gardens were a splash of color that brought joy to all who beheld them.
Travel was one of Phyllis’s passions, and she cherished the times she wintered in Bartow, Florida. These moments allowed her to explore new places and create lasting memories with her family and friends. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the indelible mark she has left on the world and the hearts of everyone she touched.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street, Pastor Travis Stamper will officiate. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4-7 p.m. Monday and from 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday. Phyllis will be laid to rest in Section 87 at the Garland Brook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Byrnes family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
