Cynthia "Cindy" Sue Miller

Cindy lit up every room she ever walked into with an infectious energy and a laugh that invited everyone into her joy. She was kind to everyone she met, no matter the circumstance.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, on May 25, 1957 to Paul and Maxine Gibson, Cindy got her start working at her parents' store, Gibson's Discount Center in Newton, Kansas, and spent most of her life as a skilled bookkeeper. Never one to shy away from a new adventure, she owned and managed several small businesses in Newton, including two restaurants, as well as her father’s car wash and storage units.

But if you asked Cindy what her greatest achievement was, she would answer without a doubt: her family. Her children were her greatest source of pride, and her grandchildren were where she poured her boundless love. More than anything in the world, Cindy loved it when her whole family was together.

Her love language was food, whether she was stocking the house with snacks for her kids and their friends growing up, orchestrating meals for family get-togethers, holding down the tradition of Friday night steak night, or passing handwritten recipes to the next generation. Cindy loved Mexican food, was famously known for snacking on chips and dip, and she couldn't resist asking for "just a bite" of whatever was on your plate.

Her ultimate happy place was Council Grove Lake. It was a sanctuary of peace and calm, but more importantly, a place where family and friends gathered no matter the distance or time that had passed. The lake was the backdrop for endless shenanigans, card games, late nights sitting around the fire telling stories, and pure, unfiltered fun. Everyone who shares memories with her there will forever hold them close to their hearts.

Cindy possessed a legendary decorative flair; no room could escape her touch. She had a passion for themed rooms and seasonal décor, and she lovingly adorned twinkle lights on absolutely everything. In her quiet moments, you could find her on her patio surrounded by her plants, soaking in the sunlight, or out hunting for a good deal at garage sales and thrift stores. On game days, she was a fierce fan, loudly cheering on her K-State Wildcats and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cindy gave the absolute best hugs, arm tickles, foot massages, and pedicures. If anyone ever needed her, she was there "in a New York minute." Her family will forever carry her warmth, her brightness, and her generous spirit forward, knowing that the party continues wherever her memory lives.

Cindy is survived by her three children, Kelli Barton, Lonni Grattan, and Chad Grattan (Shannon); eight grandchildren, Chi Barton, Jace Barton, Lyndi Rae Barton, Stevie Jean Grattan, Emmett Anderson, Maxine Anderson, Crosby Grattan, and Grady Grattan; her brother Kenny Gibson (Pam); and her cousin Karen Cornell Niedens (Verl).

She was proceeded in death by parents Paul and Maxine Gibson, and her nephew Corey Bogunovich.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you continue Cindy's legacy of feeding the ones you love by donating to Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City: Give.Harvesters.Org.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Sedgwick, Kansas on Friday, November 20 from 4-6pm at the Christian Church Lighthouse, 112 W 5th, Sedgwick. Come and go.

Another Celebration of Life will be in Kansas City on Sunday, November 22 from 11:30am-3:30pm at Nottingham Forest Homes Clubhouse, 11940 Grant St, Overland Park. Come and go—please wear your Chiefs game day gear.