Alice Lorene Fritts Barnhart

Alice Lorene "Cindy" Fritts Barnhart 1928-2008 Cindy Barnhart was born July 20, 1928 and passed away peacefully September 7 after a long illness at her home. She was a beautiful, kind and gentle woman who lived a grand and full life with her husband, children, family and friends. She was born and lived most of her life in Austin. Cindy was the daughter of Roy and Bertha Fritts, and married to her loving husband of 58 years, Bobby James Barnhart, who passed away in 2005. Cindy and Bobby met at Austin High School and married in 1947. Shortly after graduation Bobby joined the US Navy and was stationed at various posts on the West Coast and then in Korea. Cindy took primary responsibility for maintaining the family home and raising three children while Bobby served his country. When Bobby returned from the Navy, he and Cindy began several local companies including Barnhart Plumbing and Heating Company, Barnhart Manufacturing and Supply Company, and the Cinbar Corporation. Cindy worked as a key partner in all of the businesses and in art and real estate holdings, including two dearly prized ranches in the Hill Country of Blanco where they raised livestock and a select herd of Longhorn cattle. He and Cindy purchased most of the existing collection of original art by the noted illustrator and western artist W.H.D. Koerner. The Blanco Ranch was the site for joyous gatherings of family and friends for more than 20 years. Throughout her long and full life, Cindy was a glowing light of cheer and happiness and an inspiration to her family and many friends. Her love for family was her primary focus in life. She loved all animals and enjoyed various hobbies, including reading, cross-word puzzles, music, rock, gem, antique and art collecting, and gardening. Cindy was active in numerous service and social organizations and an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She will be remembered most for her kindness and generosity and always looked for the best in people. Everyone who knew her loved her. She will be missed in our physical world, but her spirit will live on in all those whose lives she touched. Cindy is survived by her three children, son Bobby J. Barnhart, Jr. of Maine, daughter Marie Barnhart Hightower Hudson and husband Michael Hudson of Colorado, and son Thomas R. Barnhart of Austin; her grandchildren Jeffrey W. Hightower, Jr. and wife Jill, Caitlin Rose Barnhart, step-grandchildren Lauryn Hudson and Meredyth Hudson Wohlgenant and husband Andy and great grandson Kort Wohlgenant. She is also survived and will be greatly missed by sister, Dorothy Albright, of Austin, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Norma and Joel Honeycutt of Johnson City, five nieces, one nephew, cousins too numerous to count and a wealth of friends. She will be especially missed by Tina Kanetzky and her three sons, Joe, Billy and Don; Sissie Kanetzky; Earl Kanetzky and many, many other valued family and friends. The family wishes to thank her special friends Mary Brown, Lorraine Bourgeois, and Suzanne Hedrick for their loving care and support during Cindy's years of infirmity. We particularly thank Angel Heart Hospice for more than a year of the kindest care a family could imagine, with special thanks to Laurie, Gia and Connie, and to Dr. J.R. Garcia. A memorial celebration will be held at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16. Burial will follow at Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North IH 35, Pflugerville. Contributions may be made in Cindy's name to Angel Heart Hospice or to the Humane Society of Austin.