Cynthia "Cindy" Anne Carlson

Cynthia “Cindy” Anne Carlson, age 75, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on February 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family as she took flight to heaven.

Cindy was born on February 1, 1951, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to James L. and Lavonne Hartshorn. She grew up in Council Bluffs and attended Lewis Central High School, where her love of sports earned her a basketball scholarship to John F. Kennedy Junior College. She still holds the 60 yard dash record for her high school. She continued her education at Wayne State College and later the University of Nebraska in Omaha, completing her degree in Elementary Education.

On May 27, 1972, Cindy married the love of her life, Terry S. Carlson, in Council Bluffs. Together they built a life of deep faith, devotion, and love. They honeymooned in Missouri before beginning their shared journey that eventually led them to Wichita.

A gifted and energetic educator, Cindy taught 6th grade in the Omaha Public Schools before transitioning to early childhood education at Central Christian Academy in Wichita. She later devoted countless hours to volunteering and substitute teaching in the Wichita community. Her strong work ethic, encouragement, and servant heart made a lasting impact on students, teachers, and families alike.

Throughout her life, Cindy’s faith was her foundation. She attended Sunday school as a young girl in Iowa, joined a medical residents' wives Bible study during Terry’s training, and later became a member and active volunteer at NewSpring Church. She led numerous women’s Bible studies over the years, always eager to pour into others' spiritual lives. She read through the entire Bible 16 times, often carrying a small notebook of Scripture verses on her daily walks as she prayed faithfully for friends, family, and anyone who shared a need.

Cindy lived with a vibrant, nurturing spirit. She loved sewing, quilting, reading, exercising, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. Her greatest joy, however, came from loving her family. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren—making food for them, helping with schoolwork, taking them for after-school treats, and showering them with warmth and encouragement.

She was a member of a philanthropic women’s organization (PEO), a mentor mom in Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), and a continual source of support to mothers and teachers in her community. Cindy’s kindness touched countless lives, and her legacy of prayer, love, and service will be felt for generations.

Cindy is survived by her husband of nearly 54 years, Terry Carlson; her two children, Eric (Tina) Carlson and Kristen (Zac) Spear; her four beloved grandchildren, Lucinae Carlson, Lillian Carlson, Lane Spear and Shea Spear; and her two sisters, Pam Ferguson and Lori Whitney. Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lavonne.

The morning before her passing, Cindy told the staff she wanted to get into her wheelchair so she could be “wheeled to heaven”—a tender reflection of her deep faith and readiness to be with her Lord.

Cindy will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, faithful friend, prayer warrior, and a woman whose inner strength based on the Lord and joyful spirit blessed everyone she met.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67218, or Harry Hynes Hospice, 313 S. Market Street, Wichita, Kansas 67202, organizations that reflect Cindy’s heart for service and encouragement.

A come and go visitation will be from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.

Celebration of Life Service for Cynthia will be held at 10:00AM, Thursday, February 26th, 2026, at NewSpring Church in the North Auditorium, 12200 E. 21st Street N., Wichita, Kansas 67206.