Crystal Lynn Skinner

1984 - 2022

Emmett - Crystal Lynn Skinner, hat enthusiast, cowgirl, lover of tacos and fried chicken, and hoarder of denim, left this life on Thursday, June 30, 2022.

Crystal was born on January 24, 1984, at St. Luke's in Boise, Idaho, to Holly Michelle Shutz and Steve Millard Hosford. She was raised by her adoring mother Holly Houston, dedicated adoptive father Michael Houston, and ever-present step-mother Kimi Houston in McCall, Idaho.

Crystal wore many hats: she was a beloved daughter, a thoughtful sister, a cousin that was like a sibling, a passionate cowgirl, a leather hobbyist, a steadfast Christian, but most of all, an amazing and devoted mother. Crystal's foremost love in life were her two boys, Wyatt Samuel and Greyson Blake Skinner, whom she had with her ex-husband Ryan Blake Skinner of Emmett.

Crystal was a condiment connoisseur. From a young age, she was never shy about smothering her food in sauce. Her fridge, like her father's, was full to the brim with "dip-dip." Waiters quickly learned that she would monopolize their time with requests for ranch, ketchup, Heinz, barbeque sauce, and any other condiment that might just pair well with the meal at hand.

Crystal was fierce. She was not one to easily give up or give in, and she defended her family and friends to the end.

Although occasionally formidable, she was an ever-present light in the lives that she touched. Her smile was outsized and contagious, which goes to show that sometimes the broadest smile can carry the largest burden.

She always saw the best in any situation, and even at a young age Crystal insisted that she and her father have a picnic at the local landfill near McCall. "It's one of the prettiest places I've seen," she proclaimed.

Her best days were spent on the back of her horse with her two boys in tow. With the wind in her hair and the sun on her face, she was never happier than in the saddle.

Crystal had a large blended immediate family, and an even larger extended family. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents Victor Keith and Lucille Ladeana Hosford, adoptive paternal grandparents Samuel D. and Ruby Houston, and maternal grandfather Richard Golden Shutz. She is survived by her ex-husband Ryan Blake Skinner, two boys Wyatt Samuel and Greyson Blake Skinner, maternal grandmother Joyce Marie Paulson, mother Holly Michelle Houston, father Steve Millard Hosford, father Michael Wallace Houston, step-mother Kimi Lyn Houston, siblings Sara Brodhecker, Kayle Early (Emily), Samantha Gray (Don), Ciara Wagner (JT), Dale Hulse, and Andrew Shutz. She is survived by her extended family members Lynna and Steve Bolton and their children Chelsi and Jake, Christy Shutz and her sons Michael and Matthew, and Sandy Houston and her daughter Madison. She was a beloved aunty to her "littles."

Everyone who remembers Crystal is invited to celebrate her bright life with her friends and family. A service and celebration will be held at 5200 Freemont Road in New Plymouth, Idaho, on July 31, 2022, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to local charities focused on supporting mental health and women and children. Please consider The Jae Foundation, the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline, and the Idaho Youth Ranch.