Bernice Bymers

Bernice Solveig (Sally) Bymers, age 92, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Sally was born on March 8th, 1932 in Albert Lea, MN to Laurel and Annie Munson. She spent the first few years of her life on a farm outside of Albert Lea until moving to the city in the 4th grade. After graduating from Albert Lea High School, her independent and adventurous spirit took her to many different places in the United States including Colorado, Hawaii and Iowa. She worked different secretarial jobs and lived with and made many good friends along the way. In the process, she became an excellent secretary, possessing some of the best short-hand skills in her profession.

She eventually settled in Rochester, MN and met her soulmate, Ron Bymers, while working at IBM. They married on October 7th, 1967 and had 58 wonderful years together. They loved bowling, square-dancing, playing bridge and watching the MN Twins. Together, they raised four children and always put family first. Sally was a compassionate mother and grandmother always teaching by example. She made a wonderfully warm home and always provided great meals and everybody's favorite treats.

Sally was involved in many activities outside of the home. She loved her friends in Circle and Bible Study. As a woman of deep compassion and service, she dedicated countless hours volunteering with many charitable organizations, always looking for ways to help out. Among those was her church, Gloria Dei, where she served in a variety of roles. She also delivered meals to the homebound through Meals on Wheels and volunteered in the gift shop at Olmsted Medical Hospital. In addition, she had a sharp mind and a competitive spirit, earning the bridge title of Silver Life Master and cherishing every opportunity to play cards with friends. But above all, her greatest joy was being with her family, creating wonderful memories that will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Sally will be dearly missed by many including her husband Ron Bymers; children Mike Bymers, Jeff (Janet) Bymers, Kelly (Martin Stuart) Bymers and Kari (Bryant) Lewis; grandchildren Emma (David Johnson) Schreifels, Adeline (Ryan) Swanson, Lillian Schreifels, Ava Bymers, Claire Bymers, Lila Bymers, Annika Lewis, Jack Lewis and Grace Lewis; great-granddaughter Harlow Swanson. They will forever hold her love and guidance close. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Wayne.

A visitation will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 4:00-6:00pm. The celebration of life will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1212 12th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN, on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11:00am with a visitation starting at 10:00am. A luncheon will follow. Memorials should be directed to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

Her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith will never be forgotten.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bymers family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.