Cynthia Jean “Cindy” Patton, age 70 years, entered Heaven on December 1, 2023 in Riverside, California. She was born in San Pedro, California to her parents, the late Kenneth C. and Donata E. Kuecker. Cindy was the eldest of five children. She was raised in nearby Torrance, where she graduated from local schools. During this time she began instruction on the flute, played in school and community bands, and earned many awards for her playing. She moved to Riverside, California, in 1971, to attend the University of California, Riverside, adopting Riverside as her hometown. After graduating she attended Northwestern University in Chicago (Go Wildcats!) and earned her degree in Physical Therapy. She worked as a physical therapist for over 35 years in many areas, before retiring in 2015; she especially was devoted to her geriatric patients and those with dementia.
Cindy met her best friend and husband, Jim Patton, in 1986 in a photography class at UC Riverside Extension course. They have been taking photos ever since, and on their travels across the United States to visit family and National Parks, Alaska, the Holy Land and Europe. They enjoyed eating out and experiencing different foods, and preparing home meals together. Cindy also enjoyed home canning from the fruits of their garden, and looked forward to entering her canning and baking projects each Fall at the local Southern California Fair, where she won many ribbons. They were blessed by their two sons, Kenny and Nick, who joined them on many family outings. Cindy enjoyed preparing her sons’ favorite foods; spaghetti, lasagna, pies, and snickerdoodle cookies were frequently requested. She also loved following her sons’ school activities and hearing about her grandsons’ achievements.
Music was important to Cindy. At age 45 she returned to school to study music at La Sierra University, transferring to California State University, Fullerton, where she earned her Master’s in Music History and Literature in 2012. She is especially proud of her research and thesis on the life and career of Marcella Craft (1874-1959), international opera star from Riverside held in deep esteem by many followers of Riverside history today.
Serving the Lord and her church family at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Riverside, was also very dear to Cindy. She served in many capacities over the years, including youth ministry, lector, and visiting the shut-ins, playing her flute for them, and bringing them Holy Communion. Her love for music involved her deeply in Immanuel’s music ministry: singing in the Sanctuary Choir and directing the Handbell Choir. For 50 years her flute playing was a part of countless worship and special services, weddings, and funerals.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Jim Patton, of 34 years; two sons: Kenny; and Nick (Rebekah); two grandsons: Joseph 5 years and Elijah 2 years and many dear cousins, aunts and uncles; her beloved church family; and dear close friends who were also family to her and she loved them as her family.
Flowers are welcome, but in lieu, if desired gifts may be directed to the Music Ministry at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Riverside; the Alzheimer’s Association; or research for Head and Neck cancer.
Celebration of Life Service at Immanuel Lutheran Church 9:30 December 12, 2023
Services of burial Committal at Riverside VA Cemetery 11:30 December 12, 2023
A visitation for Cynthia will be held Monday, December 11, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5545 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92506. A committal service will occur Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6