Obituary of Chris or Chrissy Byers

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Christine Louise Byers passed away December 23, 2023 at the Stettler Hospital.  Christine was born March 13, 1953 and is predeceased by her parents Albert Knowles and Gladys Louise Loyst (nee Leather), sister Karen Ragan and niece Lisa Ragan.

Christine is survived by her husband Wayne Byers of Stettler, Alberta, daughter Rhonda Eimer nee: Byers (Trevor Chapman) of Calgary Alberta, siblings Angela Knowles, Michael (Melinda) Knowles, Albert (Lois) Knowles, Barrie (Rhonda) Loyst, Sandra (Dan) Cote.  Grandchildren Megan & Joseph Eimer, Alexander Byers, Matthew Byers, Jade and Sierra Chapman. Nieces and Nephews, Nicole and Nancy Gardiner, Keith and Lani Knowles, Aaron Ragan, Nicole and Scott Ferguson, Jamie Barnes, Alexa, Bethany and Travis Loyst, and many great nieces and nephews.

Christine was born in Vancouver, British Columbia.  At the age of 2 she moved to Fort Macleod, Alberta with her mother, little sister Karen, and soon to arrive little brother Michael.  She would spend her time growing up in Fort Macleod.  Christine was a spirited young girl who was not scared to challenge her mother, grandmother or stepfather.   In an attempt to focus her spirit Christine was sent to attend St. Chad’s, an all-girls Anglican boarding school in Regina, Saskatchewan for two semesters.  There were stories of her hitchhiking to Saskatoon for a change of scenery.   It was at this boarding school it was uncovered she was allergic to penicillin.  After a severe reaction she returned home to Fort Macleod, where she graduated high school and helped on the family farm.   

Christine moved into Fort Macleod and worked at the Java Shop, a little coffee shop attached to the Greyhound bus station.  It was here she met her husband, Wayne Byers.  She would soon move to Calgary to live with her friend Suzy and work at the TD Bank in the Chinook Mall.

Dec 6, 1974 Christine and Wayne were married in Red Deer Alberta by the justice of the peace.  From the stories shared it was a celebration that continued for a week.  

In 1975 Wayne and Christine looked for many places to grow roots and fell in love with a parcel of land north of Stettler on highway 56 which they purchased.   They were living in Pine Lake at the time and would soon start their family with the birth of their daughter Rhonda in June of 1976.  Later that year they moved into their mobile on the home quarter.   Many friendships grew from living on this highway, making this place their forever home.

In 1981 Christine picked up her role at the TD Bank on the main street of Stettler, where she worked until she retired in 1995.   She loved the comradery with her fellow colleagues and the interactions she had with the clients.  She may have instigated a few shenanigans at the branch.

Christine had a passion for flowers, birds and farm animals.  She cherished her pets and there was a variety.  Mandy the pug, Miss Piggy the pig, Marsha the cow, Willy the goat, Charlie the chicken, Roger the rabbit, Sunshine the cat, to list a few.   Summers were spent mowing the lawn, planting gardens and flowers, and weeding.    Christine managed the farm while Wayne was away working with AGT until he retired. From calving to haying she was capable of any challenge given to her.  If she needed some help, the neighbours always showed up.

Christine’s spirit was never dampened.  She was up for anything to make someone laugh or smile.  It could be by telling a joke, jumping out of cake, a prank call or a delivery of one her famous pies.  Her sense of humour could leave men blushing, young and old.  She always stood out from the crowd.  If it wasn’t her laugh, it was the bright colors she wore, or the car she drove. 

Although she loved the farm she loved to travel.   A trip for her could be an enjoyable drive to see her family, a cross country car ride to Ontario with her daughter, a flight to Mexico or Hawaii, or better yet, a trip to celebrate a friend’s birthday in Bakersfield California, and of course, any destination with her “travel ladies”.  On the very rare occasion Wayne and her would head down south for a quick rendezvous.  Each trip was to spend time and make memories with family and friends, the destination was not the priority for Christine, it was the time spent with loved ones that mattered.  She loved her family and friends fiercely.

In 2008 Christine began her battle with cancer.   She was diagnosed initially with stage 4 cervical cancer.  Her strength and tenacity powered her through the treatments and surgeries.  With each victory Wayne would help her celebrate with a piece of jewelry or a lime green Challenger.   The disease did not define her, nor did it stop her from enjoying all the life she had left to live.   She loved spending time with her grandchildren and they adored their Nana. 

In February of 2023 Christine underwent a hip replacement which changed her life.  She was back in the yard with her flowers and walking the tunnels with the ladies in Moose Jaw.   She was busy making up for any lost time she may have had. 

In October Christine went to Calgary for surgery.  Although the surgery went amazingly well, she faced complications after she left the hospital.  After a prolonged stay in Calgary at the Foothills Hospital, she was transferred to Stettler to continue with her physical recovery.  Unbeknownst at the time, she had further health concerns.  She passed away peacefully in her home town surrounded by family and friends.  She will be missed by all who loved her.

Donations in memory of Christine are gratefully accepted to Stettler Health Services Foundation- Palliative Care Unit or the Stettler Hospice Society.

In honoring Chris’s wishes no

formal funeral service will be held