Gisela Katharina Lyons

Gisela Katharina Lyons (nee Witt), 67, passed on June 5, 2010, at the St John’s Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri with her family by her side. She will be tremendously missed by all who knew and loved her. Gisela was born March 8, 1943, in Aschaffenburg, Germany to Horst and Rosa Witt. Her father was a Hauptmann in the German Army and was fatally injured in World War II. Her mom was from Aschaffenburg and was later remarried to Victor Brossler. Her maternal grandparents were Emma and Sebastian Echrich. Gisela married Lynn David Lyons of Goshen, Ohio in Aschaffenburg on February 7, 1962. Gisela and Lynn lived in El Paso, TX for 40 years before moving to Richland, Missouri to be closer to family during her final years of life. She worked as a retail clerk for AAFES and later as a Manager of the Sergeant Majors Academy Shoppette and retired after 20 years of distinguished service. Gisela was a member of the St Jude Catholic Church of Richland, Missouri. She was also a member of the Eastern Star of Frankfurt, Germany and was an active member of the El Paso Northgate Optimist club and was one of the clubs Past Presidents. Gisela enjoyed spending time with her family and had a number of hobbies and interest including; raising and caring for her Yorkshire terrier dogs, knitting various items, playing bingo and watching family movies. Gisela was also involved in charitable work in and around her community and was a benefactor of the Optimist International Foundation. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a beautiful spirit, a beautiful smile and a big heart. She was always caring and wanted to help people. Gisela was as strong in her will and conviction in her final moments as she was in life. Mrs. Lyons is survived by her husband Lynn Lyons, son Lance Lyons and 2 daughters and their spouses, Lynette and Robin Snyder, Michelle and Paul Whelan, and 10 grandchildren; Katherine and Landon Lyons, Mikhaela Snyder, Katie Meredith, Michael, David, Andrew, Benjamin, Theresa and Elizabeth Whelan; 3 great-grandchildren Allyson, Lyndsey and Gwendolyn. She is also survived by Cousins Ursula, Waldemar and Helmut Sauer, Rosel and stepbrother Dietmar Brossler. A mass of Christian burial was held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in the St. Bellarmine Catholic Church of St. Robert, MO with Father John Groner officiating. Organist / Soloist Evelyn Horine led the congregation in the responsive singing and also sang “Amazing Grace”. Serving as escorts were Landon Lyons, Michael Whelan, David Whelan, Benjamin Whelan, Andrew Whelan, Mark Meredith, and Chris Countryman. Burial followed in the Resurrection Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gisela Katharina Lyons and may be left at the funeral home.

Gisela Katharina Lyons

March 8, 1943 - June 5, 2010