Anna “Ann” M Byrd, 87, resident of Mexico, passed away on Aug. 29, 2021 of natural causes with all her children at her side.
Ann was born Oct. 11, 1933 in Paris, the daughter of William M. and Ada B. Grow who preceded her in death. Ann married Francis “Gene” Snell in 1951, who preceded her in death in 1962. Ann married Herbert “Ted” Byrd in 1965 and enjoyed 27 years of marriage before his death in 1992.
After Gene’s passing in 1962, Ann continued the family farm and farm machinery businesses. She operated Mexico Machinery Auction until 2004, alongside Dale Cockrell.
Ann is preceded in death by a son, Brian K Snell; a stepson, Larry “Tug” Byrd; and a stepdaughter, Bonny Myers.
Survivors are six children, Lucky “Matt” Snell (Jeanne) of Holt, Larry E. Snell (Karren) of Tequesta, Fla., Linda A Maassen (Harvey; deceased) of Mexico, Ronnie R Snell (Susan) of Hoover, Ala., Brenda K Gordon (Glenn) of Mexico, and Mike D Snell (Kris) of Columbia City, Ind.
Ann is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren who are her pride and joy.
At the young age of 28 years, Ann’s husband Gene was killed in a car accident. At that time, they had seven children, the youngest was one year-old and the oldest was 10 years-old. It is hard to describe or even imagine how she managed to grieve the loss of “the love of her life” and go on to raise their seven children. The farm girl that she was managed this in an extraordinary fashion, taking over the family business of farming and farm machinery, running a successful business until she retired at 70 years old. She was one smart and determined mother, who put her family first every day of her life.
Visitation will be held at Arnold Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 1 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, with Rev. Wally Landrum officiating on Thursday, Sept. 2 starting at 11 a.m.
The family suggests charitable donations to First Presbyterian Church or Kings Daughters Home of Mexico.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
