Zona G. Byrne's Obituary
Zona Gaar ByrneZona Gaar Byrne – Loving Wife, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Friend, and Amazing Person has joined her Lord peacefully. She passed on October 6, 2019, at the age of 97, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Zona Mary Gaar was born in Bard, New Mexico to Dora and Mark Gaar. Her older siblings were Eugene, Clifford, and Ethel. Zona was preceeded in birth by her twin sister, Zepha, so when she arrived, they needed another “Z” name, hence Zona. Zona and Zepha were inseparable until Zepha was taken too soon, and the twin bond continued as Zona communicated with Zepha daily. Zona grew up on farm in San Jon, New Mexico, and graduated from San Jon High School in 1941. After graduation, with the onset of World War II, Zona and Zepha moved to San Diego to support the war effort. Both found work at Convair and were “Rosie the Riveters” at the aircraft factory. After the war, the twins stayed in San Diego, and attended beautician school. They opened a salon, the famous “Twin Z’s Salon, in downtown San Diego and continued until both had their second children. Zona continued to work as a beautician in other salons and later, for many years, at home for friends and family. Zona met Lowell Byrne, who served in World War II as an aircraft mechanic, and worked as a barber in San Diego, through mutual lifelong friends, Dottie and Harry Losey. Zona and Lowell married on October 30, 1949. Zona and Lowell had three children – Bonnie, Craig, and Beverly. Zona’s many activities included her support for Trinity United Methodist Church, Square Dancing, Cooking, Crafting, Chargers Football, and most of all Family gatherings. Zona is survived by her three children – Bonnie Roberts and husband Charlie, granddaughter Beth, Craig Byrne and wife Anke, Beverly Lasof and husband Lee, grandson Jason, granddaughter Taylor, Kathy Happ and husband Franc, Kathy’s children – Derrick Roddy and wife Emma, children Olivia, Lillyan Rose and Mason, Taryn Roddy and daughter Sydney, Jim Doherty, Deena Eskenas and husband Jon, Jimmy Childress and wife Lucinda, Margaret Garza and husband Robert, Clifford Gaar and wife Faye’s sons – Jimmy and Duane and their families based in Walnut Grove, Missouri. The community of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Women’s Circles that she was so committed to. And the many friends and acquaintances that encountered Zona Byrne and experienced her charm, grace, humor, and loving acceptance.Zona will be missed by all Here. She is Welcomed by her Family in Heaven.
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