Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 17, 1957 to Wright and Melba Sampson. Cindy was one of six children in the Sampson family. They moved to Coon Rapids, Minnesota in 1961 and Plymouth shortly thereafter. During her childhood Cindy had many passions including cheerleading, being a majorette in the marching band and was also known as a social butterfly. However, her love of horses grew to be one of her ultimate passions. This started during her childhood when she would walk down the road and visit and ride her neighbors’ horses. She would go on to graduate from Osseo High School in 1976.
In 1977, Cindy married Mike Ruud who she met while in high School. They went on to have three daughters, Leah, Leisa and Larissa. Cindy’s biggest pride was watching her daughters learn and grow. She was their number one fan and that was evident no matter what the occasion or event was. In 1990 Cindy and Mike moved from Cottage Grove to Castle Rock, MN, right outside of Northfield, where they raised their daughters on their dream hobby farm, which they named Triple L Farm. Cindy was highly involved in WSCA horse shows and served as Ms. Congeniality for WSCA from 1990-1991. These years in Castle Rock were filled with horse shows, dance competitions, farm chores, horse rides down the gravel road, lounging in the sun in the family pool, and loads of love and laughter.
During her years in Castle Rock, Cindy excelled in her career as a Recruiter and Account Manager for Office Information Systems in Bloomington, MN. Cindy’s infectious personality, wit, and charm led her to have many connections and ultimate success within the industry. She was passionate and proud of her work.
In August of 1999 Cindy’s life was forever changed when she suffered a traumatic brain injury while riding her treasured horse after he tripped and fell. During Cindy’s recovery she showed her strength and will to live and defied the odds that were given to her. In the years following Cindy’s accident she moved back to Cottage Grove, MN where she met her husband, Clayton Mizell. They shared ten years of blissful marriage that were filled with adventure, craft fairs, movies, music, eating out at restaurants, trips back to Northfield, and an abundance of love. Clayton was lovingly dedicated to Cindy throughout their years of marriage and throughout her battle with Leukemia, standing by her side until her final day.
Cindy is survived by her beloved husband, Clayton; her mother Melba Sampson, Deltona, FL; her daughters Leah (Brian) Sanders, New Richmond, WI; Leisa (Barrett) Ruud-Morris, Rockwall, TX; Larissa (Vince) Dreyer, River Falls, WI; her siblings Skip (LeAnne) Sampson, Indianapolis, IN; Carol (Bruce) Warndahl, Plymouth, MN; Christel Billingsly, Sacramento, CA; Marty (Leah) Sampson, Buffalo, MN.
Cindy was blessed with many grandchildren, both 2-legged and 4-legged whom she loved very much. She is also survived by her canine protector, Eddie.
Preceded in death by her father, Wright Sampson III and her sister, Cheri Thomas.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society https://www.lls.org/ or Twin Cities Pet Rescue https://www.twincitiespetrescue.org/.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. One donation of blood can potentially save up to three lives. Because of these generous donations Cindy was able to live life to its fullest for another 18 months. Please consider donating blood to the American Red Cross or your nearest blood donation center.
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