Cindy Barney

Cindy Barney
Panguitch, Utah

“Oh my heart”, Cindy Francis Barney, beloved wife, mother, daughter, nanny, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 20, 2024, surrounded by her cherished family after a valiant battle with cancer. Cindy was an example of service, love, kindness, and was known for her selflessness and deep devotion to those she held dear.

Born on May 10, 1958, in Bountiful, Utah to Jay and Millie Francis, she is the third of six children. Cindy brought light to everyone she encountered. She was a compassionate soul who made everyone feel welcome, whether through her warm smile or her generous spirit. She had a unique ability to listen and offer comfort, making her a trusted confidante to many.

As a youngster she loved water and snow skiing, hiking, running, and anything outdoors. She was a cheerleader at Bountiful High School and has been everyone’s cheerleader ever since. She graduated from Bountiful High School in 1976.

Cindy served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Indianapolis, Indiana. She enjoyed serving with many great companions, but meeting the country boy from Panguitch ended up being her greatest companion. Cindy and Curtis were married June 3, 1983 in the Salt Lake Temple.

One of her greatest attributes was her ability to connect with children. As an educator for 32 years, she impacted many kids in Panguitch by operating her own preschool and teaching head start. She also taught at Panguitch and Bryce Valley Elementary Schools. In the latter part of her career Cindy became the Garfield County School District reading specialist. She traveled throughout the County enlightening the lives of many students. Education was her true passion, especially connecting one on one with kids through the reading programs she developed.

A proud mother, she dedicated her life to raising her family with love, patience, and understanding. She adored her grandchildren, finding immense joy in watching them grow and learn. Cindy’s home was always a place of laughter and warmth, where holiday traditions were cherished, and stories were shared. Cindy loved traveling seeing new places and things. She always had a suitcase packed and ready to take her family on the next adventure.

Cindy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had an unwavering testimony. She held many callings throughout her life and was truly devoted to all of them. As our mom, she regularly shared talks and spiritual thoughts with her family. She exhibited compassion throughout her life and always relied on her faith in anything that she did with an optimistic outlook never complaining of discomfort even through her trial of cancer.

Cindy was very self driven. She started each day at 4:30 am with a workout, spiritual study and was all cleaned up to start work by 7:00. After completing a full days work she always made time for helping grandkids with homework, finding time to play, face timing, and making each grandkid feel like they were her favorite. To top it off, she always made time to serve and help everyone.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Curtis Barney; children: Amanda (Lane) Mecham, Tyler (Katherine) Barney, Brady (Brooke) Barney, and Chelsie (Jared) Porter; 14 grandchildren; her mother, Millie Francis; five siblings; mother and father-in-law, Larry (Dawna) Barney, who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Her family will remember her as the rock that held them together, a woman of unwavering faith, strength and compassion.

Cindy is preceded in death by her father, Jay W. Francis who passed September 23, 2020.

Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but her legacy of love and kindness will live on through the countless lives she has touched.

 A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Panguitch Stake Center Cultural Hall. Per Cindy’s request, friends and family are invited to mingle enjoying chips & salsa and Diet Coke beginning at 11:00 am. The program will begin at 12 noon followed by a graveside at the Panguitch Cemetery.

Cindy’s spirit will forever be a part of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to inspire grace and love in all of us. May she rest in peace as her family honors her last wish to visit Kauai, the only Hawaiian Island Cindy hasn’t been to.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com