Cynthia Jo Barnes

Cindy was born in Champaign, Illinois, on September 28, 1955, to Kenneth Aldridge and Goldie Leverich Aldridge, and was the eldest of four children.

Cindy loved her family fiercely and never missed an opportunity to tell them. She also loved her pets; some she went looking for, and some found her. Cindy always had a special place in her heart for the outcasts, whether it was the unpopular co-worker or a blind, diabetic chihuahua left on the side of the road. When Cindy wasn’t with her family, you could find her belly laughing at her shows or frugally filling her recycled soda bottles with her beloved canned Dr. Pepper (PSA: It’s cheaper in the cans). She was a hard worker in the service industry and many times worked two jobs with no complaint. Her favorite part of work was always the people. She loved to laugh and was known to say exactly what she thought in some of the most hilarious and colorful of ways.

Cindy had a carefree spirit that never wavered, no matter how hard life was. She could always find the bright spot in any dark place, and her resiliency in the face of hardship was a gift. Cindy had a heart filled with contentment and gratitude. She never missed an opportunity to say thank you. Whether it was for helping her in a large way, or just merely by being present. She was gifted in a way that many search for and never find; with a happy heart full of content.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Goldie and Kenneth Aldridge.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are uncle Mike McLeod, aunt Joyce (Royce) Carr, daughter Heather (Rustin) Gradke; son Justin (Heather) Barnes; father of her children Mark Barnes, sister-in-law Beth Midori, brother Keith Aldridge, sister-in-law Deborah (Pat) Pursel; sister Kathleen (H.A.) Travis; sister Roxanne (Jerrel) Sattiewhite, Peggie Horton, and Penny Broom(Robert); grandchildren Thade, Reed, Adalae, and Rowan Gradke; nieces and nephews Joe, Shannon, Monica, Jeremy (Misty), Kristi (John), Brandy, Tyler (Megan); and a number of cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled on Saturday, August 27, at 10 AM at Elmwood Memorial Park, and a visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, from 6-8 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to The Alzheimer's Association.