Cynthia Ann Bollenbacher

She was a daughter and a sister … a wife and a mother. She was a grandmother and great-grandmother… a dog lover and a friend. But first and foremost, she was a child of God and a believer in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Cynthia A. Bollenbacher, 86, North Webster, formerly of Stevensville, Mich., and Fort Smith, Ark., went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, after a brief illness.

Cynthia Ann Bollenbacher was born the first child of Richard Levi and Dorothy Marie (Enterline) Snoke in Fort Wayne, on Aug. 10, 1937. She gave her heart and life to Jesus as a young teen while attending Elmhurst Nazarene Church. Shortly after moving up to the young adult class at 15, she met Roger Lee Bollenbacher at a Sunday School party held at his parents’ farm.

She graduated from North Side High School in 1955. After graduation she worked in the office of MacAllister Machinery. She continued her friendship with Roger while he was in college and later in Korea. Friendship slowly turned to love and Roger and Cynthia were married on June 1, 1957. In June 2007, they celebrated 50 happy years of marriage. Sadly, Roger died in December of that year after a four-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. With her faith and strength, she was able to take care of Roger for most of those four years in their home. He died peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 9, 2007, with her by his side.

Cynthia and Roger’s union produced three children – one favorite and two, not so much – Donna (Shaun) Crotty, Muskogee, Okla.; David (Sharon), Brasilia, Brazil; and Daniel (Debra) North Webster. Cynthia was happy that they and their spouses all chose to follow Jesus. She is also happy that they provided her with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

After a few itinerate years of marriage, the Bollenbachers settled in Stevensville, Mich., where they lived for 26 years. They were members of Lakeshore Baptist Church, where Cynthia could be found at all hours of the day. She was a member of the choir, taught Pioneer Girls, coordinated Vacation Bible School, rolled bandages for the Women’s Missionary Society, attended or led many Bible Studies and helped with any and all social activities. After raising their children to be productive members of society, she worked as a secretary for Whirlpool Corporation for 10 years. She and Roger also enjoyed a great deal of traveling.

After moving to Fort Smith, Ark., in 1990, she became a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church, as well as the Fort Smith Garden Club, and volunteered at various charities. She enjoyed gardening and taking flowers or baked goods to friends and neighbors. One of her favorite activities was being a Bible Study Fellowship leader, and she never missed an opportunity to share her love of Jesus with others.

In March 2020, Cynthia moved to North Webster to live with her son and daughter-in-law and be closer to her sister. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and made many friends of all ages. She especially enjoyed discussing end times prophecy with Pastor Mark. Other than church, her greatest joy came from her dogs Daisy and Scooter – at least she thought they were hers.

In addition to her children, Cynthia is survived by her sister: Nancy (Walt) Corbin, North Webster; sisters-in-law: Grace Bollenbacher, Fort Wayne; and Elaine Bondy Estero, Florida; her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be handled locally by Titus Funeral Homes and by Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, Ark., with final interment with her husband at The Fort Smith National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, July 5, at Edwards Funeral Home with the funeral following. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time in North Webster.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Oswego, 3065 E. Armstrong Road, Leesburg, IN 46538.

Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, is handling arrangements.