Berniece May Sokol, 84, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away February 4, 2022 at her home.

Berniece was born August 16, 1937 to Richard and Laura Byers in Topeka, KS. Upon graduation from Lane High School, Lane, KS. Berniece worked for the state in Topeka, Kansas. On August 4, 1956 Berniece married Lester Sokol and later divorced. They were blessed with 3 children.

After working 20 plus years in assembly, Berniece retired from Benco Manufacturing in 2001. After retirement, Berniece was very active for the Belle Plaine Congregational Church. Her duties were treasurer and Council President upon the church dissolving in January 2021. Berniece also volunteered at the community center and provided rides for patients to doctor appointments. She crocheted hats for newborn babies and sewed face masks during the pandemic.

Berniece enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening, and feeding the squirrels.

She finished her journey in Belle Plaine, Iowa.

She is survived by her children, Laurie (Mike) Breja of Belle Plaine, Rodney Sokol and Richard (Gina) Sokol of Ankeny.

Berniece is preceded in death by her father Richard Byers; mother Laura; step mother Sue and brothers, Harry, Kenneth, and Albert Lee Byers.

Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 11, 2022 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine with Pastor Kate West officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Service will be recorded and on the funeral home Facebook page for viewing.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family.