June 14, 1954 — April 20, 2026
Ellen Christine “Chris” Byers (née Scaggs), age 71, passed away suddenly on April 20, 2026. She was born on June 14, 1954, in Washington, D.C., to Julia and Joseph Scaggs.
A long-time resident of Manitou Springs, Chris grew up in Beltsville, Maryland, graduating from High Point High School before pursuing her passion for helping others at the University of Maryland and the University of Wisconsin.
A dedicated Occupational Therapist by trade, Chris’s work ethic was legendary. As a mother, she was a pillar of strength, often working three jobs simultaneously to ensure her daughters had everything they needed. Her resilience was matched only by her warmth; Chris never met a stranger. She had a rare gift for walking into a room of people she didn’t know and leaving hours later having shared stories and learned something meaningful about every person there. If laughter is indeed the best medicine, Chris was undoubtedly the world’s best doctor, healing those around her with her quick wit and deep care.
Chris found joy in the simple and the beautiful. She enjoyed gardening, interior design and reading. She cherished quiet moments walking with Keith and their faithful dog, Zephyr, as well as lively gatherings with her “inner circle” of dear friends. Above all, her heart belonged to her family. She was at her happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
She is survived by her loving husband, Keith Gohsler; her daughters, Brittany Ahlgrim (Christopher) and Michelle Katzen (Jason); her sister, Nancy Scaggs (Dennis Clark), and sister-in-law, Nancy Scaggs. She remains a guiding light for her five cherished grandchildren: Gavin (13), twins Ethan and Allie Ahlgrim (11) and Brynn (5), and Rylee Katzen (3). She will be greatly missed by many relatives and friends. Chris was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Gary and Richard Scaggs.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Manitou Springs, CO, on July 11, 2026. In keeping with Chris’s spirit of generosity and her desire to see others happy, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to any charity that brings you personal joy.
Most grateful for the cherished friend she was to my sister Michele. Two sweet souls taken from us way too soon.
She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed
I am so sorry to learn of Chris’ passing. I worked with her at HealthSouth many years ago and loved her passion for life and sense of humor My deepest sympathy to her family..they have lost a guiding light.
Chris brightened our lives with her smile and her laugh. Her daughters and grandchildren were the pride of her life. The joy she found in Keith’s company was touching. RIP, Chris
I’m so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. Chris was my office mate when I worked with her at Health South. She was also a good friend and we had some great times together when we lived in Colorado Springs. I can say that it was so obvious that she loved her daughters and that they were the light of her life. She was a highly dedicated clinician and with her special skills, she helped many of her patients on the road to recovery.
We are heartbroken by the loss of Chris. The neighborhood will never be the same without her here. Her laughter, kindness, and deep love for her family touched everyone who knew her. Her devotion to Keith was beautiful, and the care she showed during Randy’s recovery will never be forgotten.
We will hold her memory close, with heart felt gratitude. May God bring comfort and peace to her family and friends as they grieve the loss of such a loved person.
Rest in peace, Chris.
Fond memories of Chris and her daughters whose home was a second home to my daughter where she was always welcomed and loved like a family member. Sorry she has left us but her life will live on in all of us.
Sad news, indeed. I worked with her at Center at Centennial and I fondly remember her charisma, humor and laughter. She was really someone who could relate to anyone. RIP, Chris.
Gary was a long time friend of Bill’s. It was Christmas, 1978, we were living on Maui and received a card from “Bill and Chris”. Hmmm, we didn’t recognize the couple’s name or know anyone in Long Beach. Fast forward to October 1979 when we moved to West LA and decided to drive to the address in Long Beach. The rest is history with too many unforgettable memories to list. Godspeed my friend 💔