Cynthia "Cindy" Anne Carlson

Cynthia Anne (Hartshorn) Carlson left our world destined for heaven on February 18, 2026. Oldest of three daughters she was preceded in death by her mother Lavonne Hartshorn and her father James L. Hartshorn. All three girls in her family were born in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Cindy was born on February 1, 1951. She graduated in 1969 from Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She went on to get her teaching degree and graduated from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Her sisters are Pamela Ferguson (Mark) of Omaha, Nebraska and Lori Whitney (Craig) of Omaha, Nebraska. Cindy has been married to the love of her life Terry for 53 years. They met in college and have been together ever since. She said that the Lord could not have chosen a better soulmate for her! They had 2 children, Eric S. Carlson (Tina) of Overland Park, Kansas and Kristen Spear (Zac) of Wichita, Kansas. Four grandchildren, Lucinae and Lillian Carlson and Lane and Shea Spear. Cindy’s hobbies included reading fast paced novels and sewing projects. Her motto was to never go anywhere without a good book. You never knew when you would have to wait somewhere and therefore have an opportunity to read another chapter. Her love for sewing began when her mom and grandmother would make clothes for her and her sisters. The outfits were like little works of art! So when Cindy’s kids were small she took a stretch and sew class and began making their clothes. In high school Kristen would design something and Cindy would try to make it. Making a prom dress was really fun and also making the veil for Kristen’s wedding. And when the granddaughters wanted doll clothes, she would try to accommodate them. Cindy’s love language was acts of service or doing things for others. This influenced her desire to teach Sunday school, Bible studies, volunteering at school events and helping her teacher friends. She loved cutting out projects for them and helping with the kids in the classroom. Even substitute teaching was like volunteering to help out a teacher in need. None of this would have been possible had not the Lord blessed Cindy with lots of energy and an optimistic personality. She almost always tried to find the silver lining in any situation. Her life was made so much richer by all of the wonderful people she met on her journey. Her goal was that all of them would find her faithful to the Lord. Every gift given to her was given by the Lord Himself. Her life was only made possible because of His grace. As she leaves this earth bound for heaven she would definitely like to share how the very best part of her life was her family. She was in awe that the Lord would bless her with such a wonderful husband and two of the best adult children anyone could ask for. And then bless them with spouses and children that she adored. Her extended family was frosting on the cake. Saying thank you to the Lord almost seems inadequate but she did thank Him every chance she got! She hopes that all of you will thank Him daily for the blessings He has bestowed upon you.

In Loving Memory

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.