Barbara J. Byrd reunited with her son and her Heavenly Father on April 30, 2026 at her home in Irrigon at the age of 82.
She was born on June 4, 1943 in Baker City to Alfred and Helen Fedler Mattes. Barbara was the eldest of three children and grew up alongside her two younger brothers, Jim and William Mattes.
Barbara was raised in Baker City, where she attended school throughout her childhood and graduated from Baker High School. She went on to attend Eastern Oregon, where she met and fell in love with Robert Byrd. The two completed their education and graduated together before beginning their life as husband and wife. Their forever began on June 15, 1963 and grew into nearly 64 years of marriage. Together, they raised four boys, Brian, Daniel, David, and William (Bill).
Barbara loved nothing more than being a mother to her boys. She had a nurturing heart that was felt by everyone who walked through her door, whether it was her sons, their friends, her grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. She also had a deep love for cooking and truly mastered it while feeding a house full of boys. Over the years, she found joy in canning and preserving food, turning it into a hobby that she became very good at. Barbara was also a talented seamstress who could make just about anything. When her grandchildren came along, she especially loved teaching them how to sew.
Barbara also had a strong love for sports and found so much joy in watching her boys, and later her grandchildren, compete over the years. Whether it was in the stands or from the sidelines, she truly cherished being part of those moments and watching and cheering on the people she loved most.
Barbara was a woman of many talents, but what truly stood out was her unwavering love and faith in her Lord and Savior. She was a devoted Christian, and there is great comfort in knowing she is now at peace in His presence.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Robert Byrd; her brothers, Jim Mattes (Jan) and William “Bill” Mattes; her sons, Daniel Byrd, David Byrd, and William (Bill) Byrd; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cameron Fuerstenberg (Amanda), Talissa Byrd, McKenzie Davis (Zane), Braden Byrd, Jarett Byrd (Tianna), Matilynn Heiple (Trevor), and Lainey Byrd; and her great-grandchildren, Oakley Byrd, Pacen Davis, Huntley Davis, Nicholas Fuerstenberg, Embyr Byrd, and Ava Fuerstenberg.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Helen Mattes, and her eldest son, Brian Byrd.
Barbara will be remembered for her warm heart, her strong faith, and her deep love for her family. Each of them carries a piece of her, and her legacy will live on in the lives she touched most.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Please share memories of Barbara with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
