Lola "Skipper" H. Byram

Skipper Byram, 98, of Colorado Springs was born July 8th, 1921 in Douglas, WY to Ira & Bernice (Stevens) Harris. She was married to James “Jim” Byram for 55 years before his death in 1997. They resided in Yuma, AZ 35 years before settling in Colorado Springs in 1976.

Skipper was a bookkeeper for medical and retail, a crafts instructor at Rick’s Garden Center where she helped many brides to be create their own silk flowers for their weddings and a swim instructor for arthritis range of motion at Manitou Springs pool for over 30 years. She was a very active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she was involved with the Wesleyan Women’s group and enjoyed many activities including supporting the food bank and preparing Communion. Her terrible fall changed her life dramatically leading her to assisted living at Brookdale Monument Valley Park. Skipper made many friends there and was known for literally running through the hallways holding onto her walker being a social butterfly with her larger than life personality. She resided there until she went to heaven.

Over the years in all her walks in life Skipper never met a person she didn’t love, in fact, she had an uncanny way of “adopting” what she referred to as her “kids”. Skipper has “kids” spanning from Florida to California and every place in between ranging in age from 6 months to 101. If you met her you will never forget her.

Skipper is survived by two granddaughters, Kerri McDonald Todd and Melissa McDonald, a great granddaughter Whitney Ellis and a great, great grandson Kayden Ellis, all from TX; nephew Tom Harris from WY, Steve Harris from WA, niece Theresa Worthen and nephew Jim Byram from AZ. Skipper was preceded in death by her son Jerry McDonald, brother Gene Harris, foster brother Joe McDonald, and nephews Charles and Benny Harris.

A memorial service will be held 11:00AM on December 14 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 701 N 20th St, Colorado Springs 80904. In lieu of flowers donations may be made Trinity United Methodist Church. Fellowship immediately following service.