Christina Means Irvin

Christina ended her earthly journey on December 28th around 7:48 pm in the evening surrounded by family and friends, including four of her cherished grandchildren and her great-niece, Addie. She was at peace and not in pain. She had fought a valiant fight against Ovarian Cancer that started in 2012. Sadly she lost that battle way too soon.

Chris, as she was known, was born in Denver, CO on October 9, 1952. She was proud to share that birthday with John Lennon. Because her Dad was in the Air Force at the time she and her parents moved to Texas within six months. She was to stay in Texas until just before her Senior year of High School when her family moved to Wichita, KS. That would be the 12th school in as many years she would attend. Chris started her college career in Western Kansas at Barton County Community College in Great Bend, KS. She would then transfer to The University of Kansas for a year then on to Wichita State to graduate in the early '70's. While in college she managed gas stations to support herself and pay her tuition. She truly was a self made woman.

After college she worked at various positions including one in Florida until she started her career in Marketing/Human Resources at Safelite Auto Glass in Wichita. She had a brief marriage in 1983/84 after which she concentrated on her career in business for the next 22 years. She excelled in her chosen field and was beloved by her coworkers. Over the years she hired several people who became her good friends. Even her supervisor, Matt Knoblach, came to her wedding in 2006. After Safelite was purchased and moved to Ohio, Chris moved to Kansas City in 1990 to work for Harding Glass. It was then she met Susan Gale who lived across the hall from her at her apartment building. Susan became a good friend and was by her side to the end. In 1992 she purchased her first house.

She left Harding Glass to work for an architectural firm and then an engineering firm by the name of Dialectic, Inc. in Kansas City, MO. It was from there that she retired in 2016. All along her career journey she made friends and brightened lives both in the office and with the vendors and customers.

There's no doubt that Chris fully embraced life. She lived it to it's fullest both single and then as a married woman. She met as she put it "the love of her life in her life of love" online in 2005 and they were wed on September 2, 2006. She was so happy on her wedding day which was attended not just by her family but by many, many of her dear friends. Has it been mentioned she loved dogs?

She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Jean (Coolbaugh) Means and her step son Scott Irvin. She is survived by her husband of 12 years, Michael L. Irvin of the home, Her stepson and step daughter-in-law Todd and Jessie (Mosely) Irvin, their three children Logan, Devan, and Jaylan of Joplin, MO, Her stepson and step daughter-in-law Brent and Sirita (Duncan) Irvin and their son Jeremiah of North Kansas City, MO. She is also survived by her brother Tim and his wife Carolyn (Cook) Means, her sister Cyd Means and her partner Dolla Van Horn and her sister Robin Means all of Wichita. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews scattered across the country whom she loved dearly.

There will be two Celebrations of Life for Chris. One will be in Wichita for friends and family and the other at her home in Overland Park, KS also for her friends and family. Times and the location in Wichita will be announced later.

By all means Chris is now dancing among the stars.