Eulogy
Note: I was urged by many to include this eulogy on the site, although at this time it is somewhat painful to do. Please excuse any errors, the heart doesn't know grammar and I wanted to post here just as it was scribbled down and read.
"Hi, I'm Katie, Christy's best friend. We have known each other since we were 14. I have no clue where to start and I know there's probably a proper way to do this, so at least I can guarantee that this will be non-traditional.
We are all shocked, saddened and hurting. We are worried about the girls and we are worried about those close to her. I know that usually a eulogy talks about how wonderful the person was and what they did with their life. Well, all of us here already know how wonderful Christy was. We know that she can never be replaced in our hearts. She was perky, optimistic, stubborn, funny, playful, strong and caring. She loved the girls more than anything. She made quite an impact and would have continued to do so. She was wonderful. So how do we, those that were touched by her, ever survive this pain? How can we deal with this loss?
This is all I've been thinking about, through pain and tears and memories and reminders of her everywhere. So I came to the conclusion that maybe she might want us to handle it like she would. I think there are a few "Christy" steps to this…
First, Christy would want to the let the feelings out. This is something she was just recently getting comfortable with and it was making her a stronger and well-balanced person. She would want to talk about it, maybe write about it, be angry about it, and maybe let out a little laugh at the funny things.
Next, I think Christy would want to do something productive. We all know Christy was a woman of action! There was stuff to clean, projects to do, and girls to feed. (and DeeDee, there was rice to make!) Basically, even though it would be hard-- she would do her obligation. She would take care of what needed to be done, because now, would be the time to the do the right thing.
And then, I think Christy would be ready to do something to enjoy life, to celebrate something. Maybe she would invest in the things and people that were important to her. Maybe she'd even allow herself to have a little fun.
I can not begin to put into words, how big a hole I have in my heart, knowing she won't be here. I've never imagined life without her in it so far, no matter how far apart we were. But I do know that I'm going to let all my feelings out... and continue to do what must be done or that Christy would want me to do… and eventually, I will begin to celebrate her life and remember the special, unique things that we shared. And hopefully, someday, I can impart a little of that on the beautiful pieces of her that she left behind-- I love you Chelsea and Alyssa. I miss you Christy."
*Given at the vigil mass on January 8th by Katie McLane Allison.
Memorial words followed this eulogy from friends and family at the service.
Donations
A trust fund has been set up for Chelsea and Alyssa at Business Bank of Nevada in Las Vegas. To contribute, you can contact Floy Davis or Michael Belvins at 702-952-4479 at Business Bank of Nevada.
Obituary
Obituary Published January 08, 2004, in the Las Vegas Review Journal.
BARNHART-HEBERT, CHRISTY
Christina Marie Barnhart Hebert, 31, of Las Vegas, died Jan. 3, 2004. She is survived by her two daughters, Chelsea Hebert, age 7, and Alyssa Hebert, age 5; her mother and father, Alice and Dale Barnhart; her sister, Deanna Charlton; and her brother, Aaron Barnhart. She left behind family, close friends and coworkers who will miss her smile and love of life. Christy was employed at the Southwest Gas Corporate Office in Las Vegas. She grew up in Hesperia, Calif., where many will remember the friendly girl with long dark hair, who loved horses. Christy had an unpretentious quality and sense of optimism about her that was unique. The short time she spent with us will be cherished and she will be greatly missed. All services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines. Visitation from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a Vigil at 6 p.m., both on Thursday, Jan. 8. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 9. Burial will be at Desert View Cemetery, Victorville, Calif. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a trust fund in the name of Chelsea and Alyssa Hebert, at Business Bank of Nevada, contact Floy Davis or Michael Belvins at 702-952-4479.
Memorial Book Entries
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Date: January 08, 2004
From: Shelly (Goodman) Wright
City/State: Colorado Springs, Co
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Christy was my friend. We met in Jr. High and became fast friends. She was such a sweet spirited person who really would give the coat off her back to someone. She helped me through a lot of really hard times in my own family and I'll never forget how she helped shape the person I am today and will be eternally grateful. I loved her more than even some of my own family. I look forward to the day I see her again in heaven with her arms outstreched to greet me. In loving memory, Shelly
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Date: January 08, 2004
From: Nancy
City/State: Las Vegas
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I did not know Christy, but witnessed the horrible accident that took her life. While waiting for the emergency crews to arrive, we helped to comfort the children until the ambulance took them to the hospital. I have not been able to stop thinking about Chelsea and Alyssa since then. They have been in my prayers daily as I have prayed for their comfort through this difficult time. I had been waiting to hear more about other family that the girls had and praying for all of her extended family. I am comforted to know that the children have someone to hold them and love them. I pray for your comfort and peace and God's blessings on your entire family.
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Date: January 08, 2004
From: Vicki Durand
City/State: Victorville
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Although I didn't know Christy well I felt as though I did. Christy worked with my sister at Southwest Gas in the Las Vegas Sales Department. Lori thought the world of her. She mentioned so many times how much she enjoyed working with her, she was always available no matter what you needed, she was warm, friendly, funny and would do anything for you. I also work with her mom, Alice, at Southwest Gas in the Victorville office. Over the years I came to know, not only Christy, but DeeDee & Aaron as well through their mom. You only have to talk to Alice to know how much she and Dale love their kids. She is so proud of who they are and the adults they have become. Christy was so special and will be missed by everyone who knew her. I know the memories of her will live on in our hearts forever... Goodby Christy...
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Date: January 09, 2004
From: Yvette Robson
City/State: Las Vegas
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Christy, was not only my co-worker but she was a friend. I called her Christy "sunshine" because when she walked into the room she brought a bright ray of sun. She will truly be missed. Everyone that encountered her liked her. I will miss her smile, optimism, and her sense of humor. My prayers and thoughts are with her family. God will comfort you in your time of grief. I know that she is one of the brightest angels looking down spreading rays or "sunshine".
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Date: January 09, 2004
From: Andy Pearson
City/State: Fontana, CA
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I met Christy in junior high and knew her through high school. We were never REAL close, but we had mutual friends and knew each other. Christy is one of a handful of people who I can remember right off the top of my head, from school. Even though we weren't close, she left a lasting impression on me from years ago. Her smile and positive attitude was what I remember. Listening to people speak at the service reminded me that was her blessing, her gift of love and joy. She will be missed here, but I know she is watching over each and every one of us she cares for. Listen for her in your thoughts and stop to feel her close to you, for that is where she will be until each of us joins her in heaven. Until we meet again...
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Date: January 09, 2004
From: Cathie
City/State: Las Vegas
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It is hard to imagine that I will not see Christy's smiling face everyday. She was such a energetic person that ALWAYS had a smile on her face! I Pray for the girls and the entire family that you would find comfort in knowing she is with our Savior in Heaven.
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Date: January 12, 2004
From: Julie Gallaway
City/State: Victorville, CA
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Christy, I cannot even begin to list all the special memories I have of you because there are so many. Each one has filled my heart and changed my life in some way. I believe that its Katie's doing that I met you and through her we have remained friends. You have always been a light in my life and a smile in my thoughts. I cannot even whisper your name without laughing inside. Your beauty was truly inside and out, and your optimism was sincere. I will miss "seeing my smoke", "Pineapple, Pineapple, Pineapple", "You can't drink Ketchup" and all the other silly things you did to brighten the world. I promise to watch over the girls. I love you and miss you dearly.
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Date: January 12, 2004
From: Katie McLane Allison
City/State: Boise, Idaho
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I was Christy's best friend. It is amazing to me now to envision life without her, she was always with me in some form, activities, emails, phone calls, trips. We met when I was 14 - the kind of experiences that you never forget. I was lucky enough to see a transformation of her life and in recent years, our friendship grew deeper. I am not surprised by the impact she had on so many people, she was the example of a true friend, courageous person and an outstanding mother. I miss you Tootie. Katie Nancy, thank you for posting, I would like to talk to you if possible, please email me at katiemallsion@hotmail.com
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Date: January 13, 2004
From: Joanne
City/State: Las Vegas
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Christy, your friendship was truly a blessing that doesn't come along every day. Since the horrible phone call Sunday afternoon I have not been able to get you off my mind. Together we were everything: the proper professionals at work, the nurturing moms at home and always, the silly, dependable friends. (Margaritas, the bookstore and golden pigs!) The trusting bond we had developed did not happen overnight yet it only took one night for it to literally come crashing to an end. I was not prepared for this ending. Even though I know neither one of us took our friendship for granted, I certainly took it for granted that we would always have more time; time for more heart to heart talks, for more laughing and time to watch our kids grow. The girls said you told them to "hold on" and that is what we'll do. Hold on to you through memories, hear you in laughter and see you in the sunshine. Somehow I know, we'll meet again…Rest in peace, my friend. Chelsea and Alyssa, I love you. I pray that you will always remember what a beautiful person your mom was inside and out. She loved you more than anything. Hold on to that. Also, to "Nancy" who signed this memorial Jan 8, thank you for caring enough to be there for the girls when no one else could. I knew someone had helped them but until I read your entry, I did not know whom to thank. Many of us are forever grateful. Please contact me, if you would, at jfam6x@aol.com
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Date: January 14, 2004
From: Demian Bridwell
City/State: Bloomington, Ca
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I met Christy in 1980. She lived across the street from my lifetime best friend. Even as a young girl, she had that same big smile that all of us would fall in love with in our time of knowing her. We had lost touch over the years since high school, but thanks to a certain group, we got back in touch about 2 or 3 years ago, and had become very close as a result. She quickly became someone who I looked forward to talking to each day, and would often stay up late at night talking to her. I had the time of my life getting to know you again Christy. You were so much fun, and so helpful in many ways. I've been having a tough time accepting that you're not here anymore, but I know that one day we will meet again, and it won't be soon enough. I love you VERY much, and I will never forget you. Demian
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Date: January 16, 2004
From: Valjean Tyndall
City/State: Las Vegas
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Christy-This seems so cliche, but, you never know what you've got until it is gone! I got to know you as a co-worker at Southwest Gas and it turned into a friendship over the years. I know that I treated you like a daughter and preached to you like my own because I cared for you. Along with Joanne, Susana, Patsy and Rosa, we shared margaritas and many laughs with you. You made the times together that we spent, most memorable and for that short time I am very grateful. You were the epitome of a great mom and I enjoyed seeing the pride in your heart when watching Alyssa at the soccer games. Chelsea and Alyssa meant the world to you and I know that you are watching down on them and they will have their own personal angel in heaven. I miss you so much, Christy, especially you bopping by my office with that gleam in your eye and smile on your face...like you were into mischief! Until we meet again.....Valjean
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Date: January 23, 2004
From: A.J. RAHILL
City/State: VICTORVILLE
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I really don't know what to say, I miss Christy. We have been friends since jr. high, but I moved around joined the Army and lost contact. Our friendship started again at the reunion. Because of my relationship with Julie and my continued friendship with Katie, Christy has been a big part of my life for the last three years. The biggest part I am going to miss of Christy is the way she could make me laugh. It didn't really matter what we were all doing, she could say something just so off the wall it would have me in tears laughing so hard. That along with her optimistic way of looking at things will be greatly missed by me. I love and miss you Christy
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Date: January 23, 2004
From: Rosa Casillas
City/State: Henderson, NV
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Christy, I can't quite get myself to believe what has happened, I feel such a sense of loss and heartache. I can't imagine meeting the rest of the girls (Joanne, Patsy, Susana, & Valjean) for lunch or dinner without you. Christy, I'm sorry I never got to thank you for the impact you made in my life. Your strength and commitment gave me the courage I needed. Christy, thanks for all the great times and wonderful memories, I will never forget how you loved to tease me, I will truly miss you. Mr. & Mrs. Barnhart, Deanna, & Aaron, though you don't know me, Christy was a great friend and a wonderful women. Thank you for letting me be a part of her life. I will never forget her. Chelsea & Alyssa, you probably don't remember me by name, but I've seen you grow throughout the years. Your mom was so proud of you both. One day when you're older I'd like to share stories about your mom with you. In the meantime we have the best guardian angel ever, your mom.
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