Rebecca Byerly Obituary

Rebecca Ann "Becky" Byerly, 90, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18,2025. Becky was the daughter of John A. Byerly Sr. of Butler and Virginia (Clingerman) Byerly of Scottdale, and the younger sister of John A. Byerly Jr. and Virginia Byerly Kerr. Growing up, she lived in the Schenley Farms Terrace and Oakland neighborhoods of the City of Pittsburgh, attending Falk Elementary and later the Ellis School where she graduated in 1952. She also spent many summers at Lake Chautauqua New York with her family where she volunteered as a counselor for the Girls Club. After high school, she took her first international trip to Europe, inspiring a lifelong love of travel. She was a graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts where she earned a degree in Liberal Arts and was on the synchronized swimming team. She married James Hartz in 1959 and welcomed their son James "Josh" Hartz two years later. Becky worked for many years at Kerr Engineered Sales Company, St. Francis Hospital, and Daedalus Design Inc. An avid environmental preservationist, she spent her free time planting butterfly gardens, volunteering at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, promoting native plants and photographing both wildlife and her family. She was also a supporter of the arts and often frequented museums, symphonies and operas with family and friends. Those closest to her know Becky's most beloved hobby was bird-watching. She was a member of the Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation, and she traveled across the country many times throughout her life on birding trips. Lovingly known as "Grammy" or "Aunt B", Becky was a pillar as the surviving member of the Byerly family, whose heritage she was extremely proud of. She was known to knit a blanket for each newborn grandchild or grand-niece and nephew, and she loved spending Thanksgiving at Seven Springs with her family. She is survived by her son, Josh Hartz (Lori); her grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael and Julie Hartz; her brother-in-law, Jack Kerr; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 12 Noon at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 5801 Hampton Street, Pittsburgh (Highland Park), PA 15206. Arrangements entrusted to Lindsay-Jobe Funeral Home, Inc., Harrison City, PA. Donations can be sent in her memory to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, 614 Dorseyville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.