Christine Kachich Barnes

Christine Kachich-Barnes was the oldest of five children of John and Dorothy Kachich. Since her father was military, she was born at Hill AFB, Ogden, Utah, August 10, 1956. Her parents were transferred to San Antonio by way of Arizona, bringing Christine's siblings; Mildred, Albert, Jon and Natalie, who were brought into the world along the way.

Growing up in a rural part of San Antonio, Christine had many of the usual chores. Some of her unusual chores: straightening nails, assisting with construction and even digging a hole (by hand) for a swimming pool. All of this left her lean and mean and bestowed her the title of "Christiny in the greeny polka dot bikini."

Christine graduated from John Marshal High School in 1974 and continued her education at SW Texas State, graduating in 1979 with a major in education, and a minor in Spanish. After teaching one year at Holmes High School, she moved to a career in Civil Service. Her position was an Instructional Systems Specialist at both Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases. She was a course developer, writing training manuals for military pilots, airplane mechanics and plane manufacture workers. She wrote the manuals and would actually observe employees performing the job duties she had written. Christine was a very generous employee. In 1987 a B-52 exploded and Christine was very instrumental in collecting items for those families who lost loved ones. She was involved in many decisions for our Air Force.

After a move to Dallas, her Civil Service role changed and since she was fluently bi-lingual, she landed a job as a government employee with the IRS, assisting Hispanic taxpayers. Christine enjoyed helping others and it was reflected in the many rewards she received while in that position.

In her personal life, Christine loved music, especially Rock and Roll. (Three Dog Night, Rolling Stones, Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, etc…) She also loved her dogs, Penny and Nina. They held her love and affection for years. They also shared her personality, as they were loving, with a little bit of feistiness.

Another passion of hers were sports cars. She started with a 1965 Mustang, moved to a dark blue Firebird and then graduated to a metallic gray Corvette. Her long curly blond hair was sure to create a favorable glance.

Christine traveled to many foreign shores, and particularly loved touring Medieval castles of the Renaissance era. She decorated her house with purchases of her travels, such that a tour of her home resembled a castle in and of itself. Her walls were adorned with that theme. Additionally, many of her other décor reflected her ability to sew, something she learned from her mother. Another skill she picked up from her mother was her uncanny ability to cook. Many enjoyed her cooking, including her famous Renaissance eggs, her legendary cabbage rolls, and succulent chicken and dumplings.

Although Christine had no children, she was blessed with marriage and love, last spent with her partner, Dave Spitzer. Dave and Christine shared their lives together, ranging from work to enjoying time with family.

Christine was a daughter, a sister, a wife, an aunt, a Godmother, a partner, and a friend to many. Christine was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Kachich, her father John Kachich and sister, Natalie Casto. Christine is survived by her siblings and their spouses: sister Mildred (and Don) Weiss, Albert (and Denise) Kachich, and Jon (and Margaret) Kachich. Her nieces and nephews: Krista Kachich, Briahna Wandel, Janelle Weiss, Kevin Smith, Brian Casto (Godchild), Jacob Kachich and Julia Kachich. Sadness at the loss of Christine may never entirely go away, but remembrance lives on.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Porter Loring North 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232 on Friday July 8, 2016 at 6:30PM.