Chrystal Elaine Meier (Meyer)

Born on August 17, 1936, on her family farm near Sumner, Iowa, Chrystal was the daughter of Leo Emil Meyer and Gail Meyer (Craeger). She grew up in Sumner, where she developed the strong work ethic, humility, and kindness that defined her life.

Chrystal met the love of her life, Everett Henry Meier, at a dance. She always joked that she liked him because he had a car, while Everett would simply smile and say he fell for her because she was so pretty. They married on June 9, 1957, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Spring Fountain, in rural Sumner and shared 58 wonderful years together before Everett's passing in 2015.

In 2012, they moved to Longmont, Colorado, to be closer to family. Some of Chrystal's happiest years were spent making memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her home was always welcoming, spotless, and filled with the aroma of Sunday roast dinners and her beloved Christmas sugar cookies, creating traditions her family will cherish for generations.

Chrystal enjoyed cheering for the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State Cyclones, and Colorado Buffaloes; playing golf, bowling, game of Bridge, Yahtzee, Wahoo, and Schafkopf; and traveling with family—always with plenty of homemade snacks to share.

She expressed her love through everyday acts of kindness: preparing favorite meals, remembering birthdays, and making everyone feel cared for.

Chrystal is survived by her children, Kendrick (Debbie), Bradley (Vonda), Kimberley (Karl), and Michelle; grandchildren Jensen (Cassy), Jordan (Allison), Carli (Jimmy), Gus (Sam), Charlie (Reilly), Hunter (AnnaMaria), Hannah (Jake), Berkleigh (Nick), and Kallahan; great-grandchildren Emryn, Everett, Grayson, Madison, Siena, Leo, and August; brothers Wayne and Barry; sisters Karen and Sherry; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Henry Meier; her parents, Leo Emil Meyer and Gail Meyer (Craeger); her brother, Flynn; her sister, Miriam; and her son-in-law, Michael.

Chrystal's legacy lives on in every family meal, every Christmas cookie, every freshly mowed lawn, every game around the table, and every gathering filled with laughter and love. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, 2999 County Road 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com with her loving family.