In Loving Memory of Cindy Matthews

March 31, 1961 – August 22, 2026

Cindy's selfless essence guided every step of her journey, leading her toward the dream she cherished most: family. Her journey began on March 31, 1961. Born to William B. Thomas and Elise F. Poor in Rupert, Idaho, Cindy's vibrant red hair was only outshone by her vibrant spirit. The youngest daughter of seven children, she spent her childhood in Sandy, Utah. With a song in her heart and the Hillcrest high-school dance choreography in her head, she pointed her Ford Pinto towards the hopeful horizon after graduation. As Breakfast in America poured from the speakers, volume all-the-way up, her heart was her compass. She gained her education from Snow College and soon found her sweetheart, Phillip Matthews, to whom she was sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple on April 11, 1984.

Motherhood was not just her profound calling, it was her bliss, her inspiration, and her true joy. For every bad thing in the world, she was the good. Her four children, Savanna, Riley, Carissa and Dallin, never doubted that home meant a faith-filled haven, a warm embrace, and homemade popcorn. Her proudest accomplishment lives in the unwavering confidence she instilled in each of her children's eyes, the quiet, unshakable certainty that their mother loved them without measure or condition, and that she would bear the weight of the whole world if it meant sparing them an ounce of it.

She was a deeply devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, carrying a profound love for the temple, her Savior, and every soul she met.

The mountains were where Cindy went to be made whole, a soul could heal just standing with the "quakies," feeling the tender breeze dance through the leaves. She carved powdery slopes and cut across glassy alpine lakes behind the family boat, slept beneath a spill of stars, and walked rugged trails. She loved the friendly competition and lasting camaraderie from Monday­Morning Ladies Bowling and league softball. To Cindy, the small, unassuming, improbable things were the treasure. A rock with a seam of quartz running through it, sitting alone on the side of a trail would always have a companion in Cindy. To know Cindy was to feel a gentle, welcoming kindness that left an unforgettable warmth. She reminded us that small is not insignificant and worn is not worthless. Her favorite of all was the time after a rain, when the whole valley lay washed and glistening. Then, gradually the sun finding its way through the mist, bending a rainbow across the sky. The smiles that rainbows brought Cindy were always shared.

Beneath that same smile, she waged an eight-year war against cancer. Scan after scan, years of quiet mornings only her loving husband saw, she met every one of them with breathtaking grace. Even in the final moments, as her voice grew quiet, she embodied the courage, patience, and love she had spent a lifetime teaching her children. On August 22, 2026, the same day as her father's birthday, Cindy peacefully stepped from this life into eternity while surrounded by her loved­ones, each a reflection of her heart's greatest work.

Cindy is survived by her loving husband, Phillip; her children, Savanna Martineau (Kigan), Riley Matthews (Meghan), Carissa Hunt (Sean Planer), Dallin Matthews (Samantha); her ten grandchildren (Owen, Emerson, Levi, Oliver, Ellora, Beckham, Charlie, Raylan, Benjamin, and Martha); her siblings, (Sharlene) Thomas, Mark (Carolyn) Thomas, Kelly (Terri) Thomas, Melanie (Brad) Dansie, Lindsey (Sylvia) Thomas, who will forever carry forward her legacy of faith, resilience, and everlasting love.

Cindy is preceded in death by her parents, William and Elise; her brothers, Byron and Danny.

Funeral services will be held August 27 2026 at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff St., St. George UT. Viewing at 10 am, with the Funeral service to follow at 12 pm. Interment will take place at Tonaquint Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, plant a tree for peace or donate to a charity for fighting cancer.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to share their condolences and sign Cindy’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com