Mary Belle (Healey Davis) Byrkett
Last Updated on July 12, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network
Mary Belle (Healey Davis) Byrkett, age 93, of Logansport, passed away early Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor after a short stay. Before that, she lived on her own and proudly said her long life came from her mother’s side of the family. Mary was born on November 25, 1931, in Burnettsville, Indiana, to Lewis and Dorothy (Arion) Pritts.
Mary was married three times and found love with each husband-Basil Healey, Dean Davis, and James “Jim” Byrkett. At age 70, she married Jim, her high school classmate from Burnettsville High. They reconnected after more than 50 years, both widowed, and proved it’s never too late to fall in love.
A survivor of cancer and caregiver to Basil and Dean during their battles with cancer, Mary gave back by volunteering with the Cass County Relay for Life. She wanted to help others the way she had been helped.
Mary’s strong faith guided her through life’s ups and downs. She was active at the former Baptist Temple at 7th and Broadway, serving as a trustee and helping in the kitchen- specially making homemade noodles. She did it all with a giving heart.
Mary raised five children and was also close to her stepchildren. Mary loved being a grandma. Her face lit up when she talked about her grandkids, great-grandkids, and even great-great-grandkids. She showed up -whatever was happening, she was proud to be there. She was the kind of grandma who made time, gave hugs, and never forgot a favorite snack.
She also worked as head cook at Columbia and later Franklin Elementary. With Logansport schools, she spent years making meals and memories. Kids knew her not just for her cooking, but for how she treated them-with kindness, respect, and a big smile.
She loved being outside, camping, and traveling. Her mind stayed sharp-she enjoyed board games and puzzles. She was also very crafty, sewing and making decorations of all kinds. Her baking was a true gift, especially the fancy wedding cakes she made for her family.
Mary is survived by her five children: Linda (David) Sedgwick of Monticello, Charles (Sandra) Healey of Galveston, Keith (DeeDee) Healey of Muncie; Patsy Valdez of Monticello, Deanna Johnson of Logansport. She also leaves behind stepchildren from the southern states, plus Jerry (Donna) Davis and Ron (Jules) Davis, all of Logansport; her brother, Ed Pritts of Burnettsville; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her three husbands, her son-in-law Tad Valdez, one brother, and two sisters.
A time of gathering will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 at Fisher Funeral Chapel. A celebration of Mary’s life will begin at 1 p.m. with Dawn Fisher leading the service. Donna Davis will share the eulogy. Burial will be held later at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
You’re welcome to share your memories, photos, and kind words on Mary’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.