It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Elnora (Vasquez) Byrd. Mary passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on May 7, 2026, at 4:44 p.m.
Mary was born June 20, 1937, to Angel and Elnora (Snooks) Vasquez in Fallon, Nevada.
Mary grew up in Fallon, beginning her education at Oats Park School and graduating from CCHS in 1955. Marrying Ollie Eugene Byrd Jr. on Oct. 3, 1956, together they had three daughters and one son.
Mary had many jobs throughout her dash, including being a nurse at Churchill County Hospital, managing rentals, and, most importantly, raising and caring for her family.
Teaching her children and grandchildren life skills, the joy of cooking, playing the piano and accordion, crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch, embroidery, in addition to many other hobbies, brought her great joy.
The number one meaning of Mary’s dash was loving and serving Jesus Christ, her Savior.
Her dash contained doing what she enjoyed, which included being a greeter at the Nazarene Church, attending Bible studies, meeting with church members, preparing food for gatherings, and volunteering at the Out of Egypt Food Pantry Warehouse.
Mary will be remembered for her love for all, her hard work up until her last days, and the precious memories she created with everyone she encountered.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Angel (1953) and Elnora (1988); sister Veryl (1992); brother Melvin (2001); husband of 54 years, Eugene (2010); grandson Shawn Steuart (2015); and great-granddaughter Everly Burton (2019).
Mary is survived by her daughters, Teresea (Roger) Smith, Alethea (Jim) Steuart, and Telethea (George) Olson, and her son, Edwin (Mary) Byrd. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Juanita Smith, Sharyn (Larcel) Morton, Amy Steuart, Angela (Chris) Engblom, Rianna Byrd, Brittany (Mark) Burton, and Nicole McGraw (Shawn); great-grandchildren, Andrew (Emma) McConnell, Lizzie (Jonathon) Krueger, Hailey and Wyatt Seibold, and Kaleb and Amelia Burton; and great-great-grandchildren, Kanan McConnell and Callie Mae Krueger, with one more expected in June. She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was laid to rest with her husband, Gene, in a private burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada, on June 4, 2026.
A memorial is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Nazarene Church, 1520 Grimes St., Fallon, Nevada. Family and friends are invited to attend, celebrate, and share memories of Mary’s life, with a reception to follow.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, friends consider a bouquet of balloons or a donation to the Out of Egypt Compassion Center Food Pantry at 1075 Taylor Place, P.O. Box 485, Fallon, Nevada 89407.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Banner Hospital, Sierra Basin Rehabilitation Center, Carson Tahoe Hospital, Renown, and Highland Manor for their support throughout her journey.
The family also extends heartfelt thanks to family and friends for the beautiful flowers, stuffed animals, books, cards, and prayers during this difficult time.
His light shone through Mary for all to see. Miss Mary is and will be dearly missed.
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