Cindy Marie Yale

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cindy Marie Yale. On February 19, 2023 she exchanged her crane wings for angel wings. Cindy was born April 28, 1960 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A few days after her birth the family moved to Gunnison, Colorado. Growing up she enjoyed playing board games, reading, spending time with friends, and a variety of 4-H programs. Her family especially enjoyed the year she took up cake decorating. Her talents led to winning many local 4-H competitions and several trips to the State Fair. In girl scouts her troop was determined and earned enough money selling cookies to take multiple memorable trips that Cindy recalled throughout her life. After graduating from Gunnison High School, Class of 1978, Cindy remained in Gunnison to attend Western State College. In 1982, she graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Administration and History. After graduation, Cindy received her “Mrs.” degree and moved to Grand Junction where she welcomed the birth of her first daughter, Rebecca, in 1985. The family moved to Arkansas in 1990 and raised all-natural chickens and ran a USDA processing operation. Cindy welcomed the birth of her second daughter, Jennifer, in 1998. The family moved to Montana in 2003. While there she watched Rebecca get married, raised sheep with Jennifer, and made beautiful floral arrangements. The past eight years were a roller coaster of a journey. In 2015 Cindy was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, (GBM brain tumor) and the doctors said she had about 6 months to live. She courageously lived not only through many medical procedures but well beyond the doctor’s prognosis; making the most of every day. She encouraged family and friends to fold origami cranes during this journey. Family and friends were able to fold 10,000 origami cranes by the first-year diagnosis anniversary. Life led her to Kentucky where she could be near her eldest daughter and two granddaughters. Cindy loved poetry, books, cross-stitch, mountains, waterfalls, and family games (especially bingo). Cindy will be remembered for her happiness, childlike ways, laughter, infectious smile, and generous spirit. Her determination and positive attitude touched many lives. Cindy could see the blue (her favorite color) sky, even on cloudy days. She is survived by her mother Peg, brothers Gary (Debbie), Ken (Teri), and Andrew (Troy), daughters Rebecca (Glenn) and Jennifer, granddaughters Calleigh and Hayleigh, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father Hal Yale, aunts Mary Lou Partsch and Carole Croft, and uncle Jim Yale. Services will be held later this year in Gunnison, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please honor Cindy by donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) and/or purchase yourself a beautiful orchid, one of Cindy’s many favorite flowers.