Cynthia Jo "Cindy" Owens McCullough

Cynthia Jo "Cindy" McCullough passed peacefully in the early morning of Saturday, May 6, 2017, in Austin, Texas. For more than four long years Cindy fought a courageous battle with cancer never losing her faith and sense of humor. She is now at peace with her Lord.

Cindy was born in Austin on January 16, 1943 to James Mulkey and Vera Baumann Owens. She attended Stephen F. Austin High School and The University of Texas before embarking upon a career with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Treasury that spanned three decades and four major Texas cities.

Austin remained dear to Cindy's heart and after her retirement in 1996, she launched her own Tax preparation business, as an Enrolled Agent, in Austin where she met her soul mate and the love of her life, Lieutenant Colonel Walter "Walt" McCullough.

The happiest day of Cindy's life was June 28, 1997, when she and Walt were married in a magical ceremony at Green Pastures in Austin. Throughout their marriage, Walt and Cindy shared a love for travel. They enjoyed adventures in foreign countries and made numerous trips from Coast to Coast to visit their families and friends.

Cindy was an avid fan of the University of Texas. She and Walt generously supported UT athletics as season ticket holders; attending home games of football, baseball, woman's basketball, and volleyball.

Cindy had a fierce and enduring love for her family and friends, many of whom live great distances away in different states. She had a special way of letting everyone in her life know how much they were loved, especially every child whose life she graced.

Her loving and nurturing ways with children began with the birth of her three nieces and ran like a ribbon of twinkling lights through her life until her death. While living in Houston she fostered a child through the Big Brother Big Sister Organization. Never hesitating, she opened her home and her heart to so many young people; enhancing their lived with her support, encouragement and positive influence.

Cindy volunteered her time and talents as an active member and officer in several organizations, including Capital of Texas Enrolled Agents, Retired Officers' Wives' Club, and Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Walter "Walt" McCullough, USAF, retired. She is also survived by step-son, former Green Beret Master Sergeant John S. McCullough, US Army, retired; step-son, former Ranger First Sergeant William D. McCullough, US Army, retired; step-daughter, Amy McCullough Cato; five grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.

Cindy is further survived by her brother-in-law, Michael Shurr of St. Johns, Florida; her three nieces, whom she cherished without measure, Jacque Shurr Collins; Caryn Shurr Massenzio, and husband Don; and Lynda Shurr Parsons, and husband John; eight great nieces and nephews; and 6 great-great nieces and nephews.

Also surviving is Cindy's step-brother, James Lynch of Richland, Washington.

Cindy was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Sandra Owens Shurr and her parents, Vera Baumann and James "Mulkey" Owens. Cindy's father, Mulkey Owens, is fondly remembered by many for his contributions to Texas history and highways, specifically to the design, building, and naming of Austin roadways and bridges, including the "Penneybacker," 360 Capital of Texas Bridge.

Cindy had a passion for dance, and embraced life with the joie de vivre that her loved ones knew well and will remember and celebrate always.

A Celebration of Cindy's life will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2017, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, with visitation and fellowship, followed by a Vigil led by Father Larry Stehling in the funeral chapel at 7:00 p.m.

Cindy and Walt were active members of St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, Austin, Texas where a funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017, followed by a reception at St. Theresa Family Center.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78750, 512-342-4700, or the charity of your choice.