In Christyland, obituaries would make people smile and maybe even laugh. Unfortunately, as I discovered while writing my gram’s obituary, the rule book states that they must be serious. This is unfortunate because laughter is the best medicine … after Nyquil anyway.
Who doesn’t love Nyquil?In Christyland, this is how my gram’s obituary would have gone;There will be a celebration of life held for Barbara (Daman) Slyter at the Elks Lodge on June 14. The keyword here is celebration.
No, not kegs and red solo cups kind of celebrating, but sharing happy memories and remembering Barb.Barbara Jean Daman was born on Jan. 25, 1938. Frances and James Daman welcomed Barb into the world feet first (literally, she was breech). If you knew Barb, you knew that she probably thought she was late for bingo.Barb’s mom claimed that since Barb was such a tough delivery (stubborn from the beginning), she would never do it again.
She fibbed. Within a few years, Barb got two younger siblings (Janet and Kenny). They would all be more like best friends than siblings.Forks was home to Barb for the majority of her life. She graduated from Forks High as did many of her kids and grandkids later on. Thankfully, she left a good legacy so there were no preconceived notions of any of us when we entered FHS. This was much appreciated.Barb was blessed with four children; Tim Rasmussen, Ted Rasmussen, Brenda Palmer and Lance Slyter.
She had 10 grandkids and a million great-grandkids. OK, more like 19 and two more that she barely missed the arrival of. Somehow she managed to get everyone’s name right … by the third try or so.In 1979, Barb met Gary Slyter.
The two were married on July 17, 1982. They were perfectly matched. Gary loved to drive and Barb loved to tell him how to drive. Barb loved to cook and Gary loved to test for quality control. Barb loved bingo and Gary loved to pretend he just played for his wife’s sake. During their marriage, they would share many good years laughing together, driving many miles in the “motor” (motorhome), and loving each other through everything.
Talking about Barb’s life without mentioning the Emblem Club would be silly. She spent countless hours volunteering and spending time with her beloved Emblem Club sisters. No worries ladies, she never revealed what really happened at your state “meetings.”
Your secrets are safe!Barb was very talented at crocheting, knitting, quilting, baking, sewing, canning, smiling, laughing, joking, making people happy, volunteering, etc., etc., etc. The list could go on about her talents and wonderful traits. Everyone says that about their loved ones, but this time it’s 100 percent true. I kind of knew the lady. She was very loved by many. Be sure to come help us celebrate her life on June 14 from 1-3 p.m.
