Lena Fayree Ogilvie Kelley Byler, of Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in hospice care at the home of her daughter in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She was 82 years old.
Lena was born at home in Mt. Pleasant on March 24, 1942, to Silas King Ogilvie and Mary Sue Hutchison Ogilvie. She spent nearly all her life in Mt. Pleasant, graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1959. Lena cherished her time in school, where she was a member of the basketball team and shared many happy moments with her classmates, including her beloved sister Jean, with whom she shared a special bond.
Later in life, Lena pursued higher education at Arkansas College (now Lyon College), earning college credits. Her curiosity and love of learning were evident in all she did. Lena was a woman of many talents and passions. She was an artist and writer, publishing two books: Fireflies in a Jar, a collection of her original poems, and Skylark Days, which recounted stories of her childhood. She also had a green thumb, tending to her garden and canning its bounty, and surrounded her home with vibrant flowers that reflected her love of beauty.
Lena married twice and was devoted to her family. Her first marriage to the late James Kelley of Bethesda blessed her with two children, Jamie and Donna. She embraced her role as a homemaker, sewing clothes and costumes, and attending her children’s school and church activities. Her deep faith and commitment to her spiritual community were central to her life, and she was known for her willingness to serve behind the scenes whenever needed.
In 1983, Lena married the late Jerry Byler, embarking on new adventures in Alaska, where Jerry was a school superintendent and operated a commercial fishing business. From fishing in the Bering Sea to hunting elk, Lena’s life expanded in ways she never imagined. After Jerry’s retirement, they returned to Arkansas, where they built their own home together, with Lena even laying the bricks for the fireplaces.
Music was another of Lena’s great loves. She and Jerry wrote gospel songs and formed the Heritage Quartet, performing at venues like the Ozark Folk Center, Silver Dollar City, and churches across the country. They recorded several albums in Nashville, TN, and were blessed to share their music with countless people.
Lena was preceded in death by her parents, Silas King Ogilvie and Mary Sue Hutchison Ogilvie; her siblings, Silas Wayne Ogilvie and Mary Jean Ogilvie Smith; and her husbands, James Kelley, Sr., and Jerry Byler.
She is survived by her children, Donna (Rob) Ernest and Jamie (Debbie) Kelley; her beloved grandson, Aaron James Hutsell (Amy) of Kansas City, MO; and her two great-grandchildren, Braylon and Callaway Hutsell, and two stepsons, Eric (Chris) Byler and Darren Byler and their children. She
also leaves behind many beloved friends and relatives, including brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, all of whom she cherished deeply.
Lena’s faith journey was a cornerstone of her life. She grew up in the Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant, later becoming active in Southern Baptist churches in Mt. Pleasant and Melbourne. Recently, she transferred her membership to Paradise United Methodist Church in Smithville, MO, where her son-in-law serves as pastor. Now, with her membership transferred to heaven, she is rejoicing forever in the presence of her Lord.
Lena’s family was her greatest treasure, and her legacy of love, creativity, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 217 W. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO. A memorial and graveside service will follow in Arkansas at a later date to be determined.
