Monika Elfriede Byrd, 87, of Lafayette died at home with her family on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. Born in Munster, Germany, Monika married the love of her life, James Anderson Byrd of Oden, Indiana in 1953 in Germany, and Jim was by her side throughout her life and into death. Surviving with her husband are three daughters, Elpha Byrd of Crawfordsville, Linda Harcourt of Lafayette and Lisa Dowis (husband: Andrew Dowis) of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Monika's grandchildren, Ricky Vaughn (wife: Shanna) of Lafayette, Kierston Gedeon of Cleveland, Ohio, Drew and Weston Dowis of Colorado Springs, Colorado all were deeply loved by their grandmother. Monika's two great-grandchildren, twins Olivia and Wyatt Vaughn were very involved in bringing Monika great joy and happiness over the last eight years. A private service will be followed by a reception on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 4 to 5 pm at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Boulevard. Sympathy may be best expressed with donations to the American Heart Association. Monika's great spirit and vigor for life will be deeply missed by her family until we are joined with her again.