Obituary of Josephine Byers

Josephine Byers, 86 went unto eternal rest after a long illness surrounded by her loved ones Dec 30th at home. She was born in Lamy, NM in 1937 but moved to Cerrillos until her parents settled in Santa Fe where she started waitressing  at a young age at El Charro Restaurant. She met the love of her life Billy Byers, married in 1957 & they made their way to Albuq. where they called home. They had their daughter & in 1960 they moved to California to be closer to her family where they all worked at Convent of the Sacred Heart in El Cajon with Mother Superior Yvonne Pimenti. Then in 1963 they moved back to  Albuq & she started waitressing at Magidsons, Hilton, Hoyt’s, Captain Ahabs, Gaslight & many more making that her lifelong career which she loved! Josie encountered some famous people like Ernest Borgnine, Ali MacGraw, Kris Kristofferson, who were filming CONVOY coincidentally next to her home which her soon to be son-in-law was the motorcop in it! She met the Aguilar family, Vicente, Flor, Tonito & Pepito to name a few. Then their son was born and she got involved in politics with Jerry Apodaca, Toney Anaya, Bruce King who all won for Governor. Loving to cook, Josie, her husband & children opened up “Little Josie’s Restaurant” in the S.Valley where the entire family worked and became famous for her “Josie Burger”. She met famous NM singers such as Roberto Griego & for the grand opening a young man with a guitar & speaker played in the parking lot by the name of Darren Cordova! (Who would have known)! She enjoyed meeting different people from all walks of life & would help anyone in need. They lived & owned apartments near Edith & Silver & anyone who lived there became part of the family! Her hobby was ceramics where she won many blue ribbons at the NM State Fair & various competitions but loved the casino later on in life. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Byers; her son-in-law Jim Hults, Jerry Gutierrez; her parents Tomas & Rose Urban; sister Lucy Chavez, brothers David, Bob, Rick & Frank Urban; in-laws William & Carrie Byers & family dog Bella. She is survived by her daughter & caregiver Yvonne Byers-Hults; son Bill “Boy” & wife Lisa Byers; brothers Fred & wife Mary Urban and Phillip & wife Sandra Urban; grandchildren Randy & Gina Hults, Sharon & Isaac Jaramillo, Shanna & Will Byers; 14 great-grandchildren, Brianna, Mathew, Andrew, Nicole, Eric, Alexis, Joshua, Alec, Szandor, Cassi, Isaiah, Mallory, Vossen & Braxton; 2 great-great grandchildren & “favorite” nieces & nephews who visited & called her often (you know who you are lol) & numerous other family & friends. She will be truly missed but we take comfort knowing she is pain free & was reunited with her loved ones, especially her viejito Bill. A private family viewing was held. Cremation has taken place. 

ROSARY will be FEB. 10th @ 10am at San Ignacio Catholic Church, 1300 Walter St NE with Funeral Mass following at 11am