August 19, 2026
Deborah Rose Byrne, 76, of Ashland, Ky passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Woodland Oaks Healthcare Facility surrounded by her family. Deborah was born on June 29, 1950, in Ashland, Kentucky, to Juanita Queen Crum and Harry “Wise” Crum.
She was a 1968 graduate of Fairview High School and a 1972 graduate of Morehead State University. She earned degrees in Social Work and Political Science. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college. In 1978, she married Thomas Byrne.
Deborah spent her entire career serving as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and retired after many years of dedicated service.
She is survived by her daughters, Bridget Critchfield (Mike) and Dr. Laura Cieraszynski (Dr. Michal), and her son, Christopher Byrne (Melody). She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Erin (Daniel), Hayden, Coleman, Liam, Carlyle, Cheyenne (Jacob), Dakota (Leslie), Gabriel, Tyler, Augustus and Jameson; her great-grandchildren, Bryson and Oaklyn; her niece, Marilyn Patrick (Dan); her sister-in-law, Joan Sellers (Rick); her brother-in-law, John Byrne; and her special aunt, Rita Roberts.
She lived her life devoted to her faith and her family. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
She was an avid reader.
A Mass and Rite of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ashland by Father Matt Smyser. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Holy Family Catholic Church at 900 Winchester Ave, Ashland, Ky 41101 or Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) at 200 Vesey St, 28th floor, New York, NY 10281.
The family is profoundly grateful for the tender care, compassion, and support provided by the Woodland Oaks Community and Fresenius Kidney Care River Hill.
Lazear Funeral Home is both honored and privileged to have been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Byrne.
Menu