Obituary of Jean Debra Kyba

KYBA - Mrs. Jean Kyba of Yorkton, beloved wife of Nestor Kyba passed away on the morning of March 9, 2009 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre with her family by her side. She was 64 years of age. Jean Debra Kyba was born on August 28, 1944 in Canora, to Victor and Mary (neeTrach) Ostafie. She lived with her parents and brother Ronnie on the family farm near Mazeppa. Jean received her elementary education at Mazeppa School and then graduated from Canora Composite High School in 1963. For about six months following graduation she worked at Robinson's Department Store in Canora. On August 1, 1964, Jean married the love of her life, Nestor Kyba, at the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church at Dneiper. Together, they made their home at the family farm just east of Dneiper. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Debbie in 1966 and David in 1968. Jean and Nestor operated the family farm together, sharing many of the duties. When harvest came, Jean hauled the grain while Nestor combined, and as the years went on, and they had two combines, Jean learned to operate the combine, which she was very proud of. When Jean wasn't busy being a mom and farm wife, she enjoyed sewing - no challenge ever too big - she sewed everything from doll clothes to leather jackets and mukluks. From the time Debbie and David were old enough to be a part of the Dneiper 4-H Club till they left the club, Jean was the leader and chaperone of a trip to Toronto. Jean also was an active member of the Dneiper church and hall, doing everything from cleaning and cooking, to hairdressing on dance nights. As Jean's needs as an active mom became less, a job opportunity at Chautauqua gardens became available. This transpired into another hobby that she took a lot of pride in - her flower gardens. Throughout her life, Jean enjoyed taking pictures, filling an album a year for each of her children, and often being called upon to be the main photographer at weddings and family reunions. Although travelling was not a high priority in their lives, Jean and Nestor did enjoy a trip to New York with the Knights of Columbus and, looked forward to their fishing trips and trips to Regina to visit Dave. Together, Jean and Nestor always enjoyed socializing with friends and family with a cup of coffee, or a drink and a game of cards. In 1996, she was granted a long-awaited milestone in her life; she became a Grandma. Her grandchildren quickly became the focus of her life, as was she of theirs. Grandma was always there to support and cheer on her grandchildren in their sports, school concerts, and dance recitals. On March 9, 2004, Jean successfully underwent a valve replacement surgery followed by a massive stroke, which would unfortunately affect the rest of her life. With Nestor's support and assistance, Jean was able to return to their home at the farm in August, 2004, just in time to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Although Jean had many limitations, she still managed to sew a few things including a quilt for each of her three grandchildren, and found another new talent - picture painting. She also enjoyed her weekly visits to Sarbi and the Day Wellness Centre. In 2006, due to health reasons, Jean and Nestor moved to Yorkton, even though to Jean the farm was always home. They continued to visit the farm throughout the summers, always hoping to move back. On the evening of March 5, 2009, Jean entered the Yorkton Regional Health Centre with health issues that were beyond her ability to fight. Jean is survived by her husband Nestor, mother Mary Ostafie, son David, daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Larry Kitchen, grandsons Brett and Braden, and granddaughter Brielle. In-laws, aunts, uncles and many cousins also survive her. Her father Victor Ostafie, brothers Jimmy and Ronnie, and parents-in-law Stephania and Anthony Kyba predeceased Jean. Prayers were held on Thursday, March 12th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yorkton. The praying of the rosary preceded. Requiem Divine Liturgy was held on Friday, March 13th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church with Very Rev. Boris Kyba, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. Rev. Fr. Vladimir Kolpakov, C.Ss.R. concelebrated. The cross bearers were Braden & Brielle Kitchen. Nicoli Ochitwa was the altarserver. The epistle reader was Cornelia Kyba-Bobinski and the responses were led by St. Mary's Parish Choir. David Kyba shared reflections of his mother's life. The interment took place at Yorkton City Cemetery with David Kyba , Brett Kitchen, Larry Kitchen, Leo Lucash, Peter Uhryn, Ed Shalkowsky, Lawrence Kyba and Norman Makowsky serving as the casket bearers. Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, March 13th, 2009 11:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery