Cynthia Gardner

In the twilight of the morning on February 21, 2014, Cynthia Lind Adams Gardner, 57, drew her last courageous breath and leapt into heaven. Surrounded by her finest treasures; her husband Reed W. Gardner and her children: Jason (Erica), NY, NY; Deven, Farmington UT; Ali (Jordan) Easter, Oceanside, CA; and Meg, Farmington, UT, Cindy spent her final earthly moments as she had lived her life – with grace, dignity, good humor and deep love.
Born December 16, 1956 in Phoenix, AZ to Anton L. Adams and Flora Taylor, Cindy was the youngest of thirteen children. Her childhood was spent discovering the beauties of the earth, working the warm desert soil of their large family garden in Mesa, AZ. In her adolescent years she moved to Anchorage, AK, where she treasured the varied landscape and vast open sky. Cindy held a deep reverence for the earth. Her sense of stewardship is evidenced in the trees, flowers and other flora that flourished in her sphere, but her deepest emotion was reserved for those she loved.
Following her graduation from Thatcher HS, Thatcher, AZ, Cindy attended Eastern Arizona College and Brigham Young University where she met and fell in love with her husband, Reed. They were married August 20, 1977, began their family in St George UT, and then settled in Farmington, UT where their love and influence continue to radiate. Cindy’s devotion to her Lord and her fellow men sent ripples from her home, which was the center of her life, out through her neighborhood and across the ocean to the orphan children of Bukura, Kenya Africa, where she was able to give the last measure of her mortal energy. The Granny Gardner Home and Daisy Academy are vibrant living witnesses to Cindy’s devotion, hard work, vision, and dedication to service. She was grateful to be able to visit, serve and nourish the children of Africa at a time when cancer had wielded its sword and threatened to keep her from them. From that distant place to the foothills of the Wasatch mountains, there is deep sorrow at her passing, and joy in the realization that we were gifted to know and love her. Our thanks to Dr. Jason Bruse, Dr. Rob Harris & Dr. Anna Beck, whose skill and care helped extend her life.
Cindy was a believer. Her faith in God and His purposes allowed her to serve capably and humbly in her community as well as in many capacities in the LDS church, including presiding over Relief Society, YW, and Primary auxiliaries. Her gifts for organization and enrichment, coupled with her stunning sensitivity to individual needs, made her a beloved leader and friend. Her hands were tirelessly, powerfully, tenderly worn out in service. They were as comfortable cleaning unfamiliar and long neglected spaces as they were guiding a needle, or rolling out crust for her fresh peach pies. Her hands were happiest, however, cupped around the cheeks of her grandchildren; Stella, Anton, Chloe and Treven, who adore their “G.G”. We take joy in the thought of her embracing the grandchild whose birth we await in April. She leaves her dearest ones a legacy of love and devotion.
Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences Tuesday Feb. 25, 2014 6-8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 No. Main St., Farmington, UT. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday Feb. 26, 2014 at the LDS Stake Center, 729 W. Shepard Lane, Farmington, UT, with a viewing 9:30 – 10:45 am. Interment at Farmington City Cemetery.
New life from the flower bulbs Cindy planted have begun, fittingly, to burst through the winter worn soil in her yard. They speak of her.
In lieu of sending flowers we humbly suggest donations be sent, in her honor, to build a security wall around the orphanage in Africa. Donations should be directed to International Cultural Exchange Foundation (ICEF) 2235 Bendemere Circle, Suite 1, Salt Lake City, UT 84109.