Graveside services for Byerlene Ropel will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 14, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations, with a time of memory sharing beginning at 12:00 PM.

It is with deep love and cherished memories that we announce the passing of a remarkable woman whose life was filled with joy, laughter, and devotion to the people and passions she held dear.

Byerlene Grace Ropel, 87, of Whitesboro, TX, joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert John Ropel, her daughter, Linda Marie Dull, her father, Willie Birl Parker, and mother and stepfather Blanche Louise and James “Jimmy” Merchant. She is also preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Marcus Guynes.

She is survived by her children, Ronald Guynes (Sally) of Two Rivers, WI, Scott Guynes (Cathy) of Gulf Breeze, FL, Cynthia Vrla (Corey) of Whitesboro, TX, Mark Ropel (Lynn) of Pasadena, TX, her son-in-law John Dull of Pasadena, TX, and her brother, Harry Martin “Marty” Doughtery, Jr. of Houston, TX.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Melissa Kirkner (Erik) of Navarre, FL, Michael Guynes (Cheryl) of Hagerstown, MD, Laura Clark (Harley) of Mineola, TX, Adam Vrla (Breanna) of Whitesboro, TX, Joaquin Guynes (Kalysta) of Two Rivers, WI, Kathleen Rincon (Jerry) of Austin, TX, and Robert Dull (Alicia) of Pasadena, TX as well as 13 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was a woman of strong faith, finding comfort and community in her church, where she formed lasting friendships, taught Sunday School, and sang on the radio for broadcast services. Her voice, lifted in song, was a familiar and beloved presence – whether in the pews on Sunday morning or singing a favorite tune at home. She and her husband, Bob, were active members of the Rotary Club where they found formed deep friendships and gave generously of their time and resources.

She had a spirited side that brought excitement and fun to her days. She delighted in trips to the racetrack, cheering on her chosen horses with enthusiasm, and never turned down the thrill of a slot machine or a game of cards with friends. These moments weren’t just about winning – they were about connection, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.

She had a special relationship and little secrets with each of her children, and she loved to sing karaoke with Bob and hear her son Mark play “House of the Rising Sun” on accordion, which he readily indulged for her. She loved sending gifts and getting cards for all occasions, which she was sure to display proudly. She reveled in telling family stories, especially about her “honey” Bob after his passing, and she could talk on the phone for hours and enjoyed staying connected across miles.

She also treasured quieter pleasures like friendly Sunday lunches and creating memories with those she loved. Above all, her family was the center of her world. She gave her love freely and generously, and her presence made every gathering brighter.

Her laughter was truly unforgettable – infectious, wholehearted, and capable of lighting up any room. It will echo in the hearts of all who knew her, a lasting reminder of the warmth and happiness she brought into the lives of others.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and joy that will continue to inspire her family and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, we know she is finally reunited with her beloved husband, Bob (My Honey), and her spirit lives on in every song sung, every game played, and every shared moment of laughter.

A memoriam contribution by Cynthia Vrla:

Mom lived for her family—always there for us.

And there for anyone who needed a hand, a prayer, or a hug. She never met a stranger. Whether she had known you for years or only a passing moment, you were greeted with her warm smile and open arms, including the UPS, Amazon and FedEx drivers.

She moved through life thinking first of others, forever going out of her way to help. And her kids? She told us how proud she was, standing behind our choices through every triumph and every hard lesson alike.

Alongside our dad, Bob, she devoted herself to Rotary and to serving others. They were both honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award—a reflection of the generous spirit they shared.

Once widowed, she and our grandmother Blanche became their own version of the Golden Girls. They loved fishing at the Bay House, and later at the lake in East Texas. Those days have become treasured stories woven into our fabric.

Ten years ago, she moved into the apartment we built into our home for her. There were concerts and plays—but our favorite adventure? The CASINO, of course!

Mom never stopped praying for the people she loved. She prayed for us every time we headed out on motorcycle trips. She prayed for Adam always, but especially when he raced dirt bikes. On the day she passed, Adam was racing, and said he felt something he couldn’t quite explain. We believe that was Mimi who had raced to be beside him—guiding him all the way to first place.

And no matter how many times I told her I loved her, her answer was always the same: I love you more.

A memoriam contribution by Ron Guynes, Sally Taylor Guynes, and Joaquin Guynes:

Joaquin wanted a store-bought Halloween costume more than anything, as his mama always insisted on homemade outfits. On a brief trip into the local Walmart, he discreetly showed his Mimi a skeleton costume he coveted. She did indeed bestow it upon him. And of course, he loved it far beyond the costumes his mom had ever slaved over. There’s a picture of the duo in the slide show. Mimi is gracefully reclined, perfectly coiffed, with the costumed creature in the foreground. This photo has always been referred to as “Beauty and the Beast.”

Mom always told daughter-in-law Sally to disregard the “in-law” part and to be considered as “your other mom.” And she actually meant it despite Sally’s very prickly nature.

Her laugh. “Unique” is putting it mildly. It lifted itself above ANY cacophony.

She loved Joaquin and never hesitated to introduce him to others as “Our miracle.” Which always annoyed that child’s mother because the whole process was very easy and Mom only meant that because said mama was quite geriatric when she had the boy.

Ronnie will miss talking with his mom on Sunday mornings. They’d often have coffee together over the phone. Ronnie and Sally live on Lake Michigan and have a lovely little Sunday tradition of taking a drive to the nearby state forest and taking a photo of the beach and crashing surf for Mom.

Her home in Quitman was a wonderful “home place” for us. It was the perfect place for a little boy to fish, shoot Mimi’s BB gun, and delight in banana pudding. We never knew how much that home meant until the place was sold.

Mom loved critters and babies. Sally has a sweet picture of three-month-old Joaquin sprawled deeply asleep across Mimi’s (then) ample expanse. Picture the same with six-week-old Virgil, a puppy picked up in Mineola. EVERYONE wanted to cuddle the pup, of course, but Mimi exerted her matriarchical authority to usurp time in her recliner with the cute little guy.

Unbeknownst to his parents, five-year-old Joaquin took it upon himself to invite Mimi to Grandparents’ Day at his school. She booked the trip to Wisconsin. And then the school changed the date for the event. But we carried on; a poster was placed at the school’s entryway proclaiming, “Welcome Mimi to It’s not Grandparents’ Day!” At the little school’s mass, the priest acknowledged her attendance and led a prayer for her. The children in Joaquin’s class clustered around her with their little hands raised, “blessing” her. It was THE most precious moment.