Elizabeth "Liz" Byles

Elizabeth “Liz” Byles, 92, of Lake Charles passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 in a local care facility.

Ms. Byles was born on April 20, 1927 in Eros, LA and moved to Lake Charles in 1956.  She earned a degree in accounting from Northwestern University.  Ms. Byles retired from the State of Louisiana as an auditor and was the first female legislative auditor for the State of Louisiana.  She also opened a local bookstore called “The Book Exchange”.  Ms. Byles was a 30-year board member of the Gravity Drainage District #4.

She enjoyed entertaining at her home which was presented on the Lake Charles Home Tour and she especially took pleasure in playing Bridge with “The Girls”.  Ms. Byles will be remembered as a dynamic lady with a strong will and a loving heart who had a special love for food, traveling, and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory are two children, Margaret Ellen Quienalty (Mike) and John “JB” Byles (Danna Bradford) all of Lake Charles; a brother, James Wingate (Margaret) of Baton Rouge; grandchildren, M. Ryan Ayres  (USAF stationed in South Korea) and Elizabeth Ayres Savant (Brice) all of Lake Charles; a wonderful great grandson, Sylas Savant and his half sister marvelous Molly Savant; a nephew, Jim Wingate (Jennifer) of Baton Rouge; and also many loved ones, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Edward and Robbie Wingate and her ex-husband, Tony Byles.

A memorial mass will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.  Father Seth Donald will officiate.  Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  A gathering will begin prior to the service at 3:30 PM and will continue in the church hall following the service until 6:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 123 W. Sale Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70605.