Renee Frances Byas Matthews, 64, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2008, in the loving arms of her daughters following complications of recent liver failure. Renee was born July 5, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Arthur J. and Irene Byas. She grew up in Lansing, Illinois. She married Robert Matthews in June of 1963. They were later divorced. From this union were born Renee's three daughters and best friends: Donna, Sharon, and Jean.

Renee moved with her family to Utah the summer of 1976. She was employed by Albertson's where she retired in 2007 after 31 years of service. Retirement couldn't keep her away, however, and she returned to work there part-time enjoying the friendship of many co-workers and friends until her death.

Renee was a survivor. Life didn't always hand her a "bowl of cherries" but she always had a way of pulling up her bootstraps and moving forward. She loved good humor and being teased. She loved good books, a hard days work, and lunch out with friends. She always said, "The sun will shine tomorrow." It always did. And it always will for those who knew her -- as she touched so many lives with the brightness of her selfless love and encouragement.

Renee loved being with her family and is survived by those who knew and loved her best: daughters and sons-in-law Donna & Craig Nielson of Millville; Sharon & Steve Larsen of St. George; Jean & Travis Dunn of Logan; 7 grandchildren: Zach (& Hailey) & Chris; Cody, Dee & Sami; Jesse & Madi; a nephew and niece: Rick Barker and Stacy Hofrichter, both of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Pat Barker, and brother in-law, Travis Barker.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan. A viewing will be held at the mortuary on Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and prior to services on Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:45 PM. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Allen Mortuaries.