Jodi Sue Byers died on May 15, 2022 in Reno, Nev. at the age of 51.
She was born on Jan. 7, 1971 in Ashland the youngest daughter of Larry and Suzanne Byers.
Growing up, Jodi attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with her family and was active in youth programs. Jodi was a member of the Cherokee nation.
The Byerses moved to Keizer when Jodi was in kindergarten. Jodi attended Gubser Elementary School, Whittaker Middle School, and McNary and South Salem high schools. Jodi was an outstanding athlete, competing and lettering in soccer, basketball and softball during each of her high school years.
Jodi worked and coached for a short time at Chemawa Indian School in Salem before being hired at Highline School District in Washington, where she served as an intervention specialist and athletic coach for girls’ soccer and basketball. Jodi took the girls to state and was awarded the WIAA Coach of the Year on three occasions.
Jodi had a charismatic personality and always stood up for others less fortunate than herself. Jodi was kind-hearted, loved animals and cared for her three-legged cat that brought her comfort, joy and love.
Jodi developed many friendships over the years and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, kindness and love by her family and friends.
She is survived by her mother, Suzanne; sister, Janelle; and brother, Joey, his wife, Yvonne and their two daughters. She is also survived by grandmothers, Millie Petsch and Norma Byers.
Jodi was preceded in death by her father, Larry; and grandfathers, Joe Byers and Wayne Petsch.
A private family gathering will be held.
For those wishing to make a contribution in memorial for Jodi, please consider a donation to your local Humane Society or an athletic fund of your choice.
Please share memories Jodi with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
