On March 17th, 1955, in Yuma, Arizona, Cynthia Ann was born into the loving, farming family of Francis Neal and Laline Collins (both preceded in death). Her living siblings are James Collins of Yuma and Sharon Simpson of Wickenburg. Her cousins are Joanne Carter and Judy Consentino.
She was a nurturing mother to Laline Jensen, Bond Tillou, Candace Davis, and Brady Tillou from her former marriage to Kim Tillou. She was a proud grandmother to: Aurora Jensen, Thor Jensen, Cammie Tillou, Carley Tillou, Caley Tillou, Chelsea Tillou, Hadlee Davis, Owen Davis, John Tillou, and Evelyn Tillou.
She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews Stocker Simpson, Lacie Nelson, Jarrett Collins, Charity Tidwell, Joshua Tillou, Adam Tillou, Rachel Farnsworth, Sarah Smith, Mary Tillou, and Anna Humphrey. She is also preceded in death by her grandparents Brady and Ella Collin’s, and William and Isadora Glasow, her niece Sage Simpson and nephew Caleb Tillou.
As a child, she attended Crane schools and graduated from Kofa High School in 1973. She was very active in dancing, showing western pleasure, competing in trail equestrian and gymkhana events, and was awarded Junior Rodeo Queen. In high school, she was elected into student council and was the senior head cheerleader. She attended college at Arizona Western College, Arizona State University, and University of Arizona for dance and nursing. She became a Licensed Practicing Nurse at Yuma High and Yuma Regional Medical Center, YRMC. She also worked in the wellness center, taught CPR and ACLS, and was YRMC employee of the year in 1993.
Cindy loved teaching dance and choreographed dance productions and aerobics for church, local high schools, and the community. The highlight of her dance career was to choreograph a modern dance for a finalist in the Miss USA pageant. She very much enjoyed volleyball and walking, too. For many years, she was an active member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in which she raised her family. Her name will remain on the street, Cynthia Lane, of Somerton, AZ in which her father Neal named streets after the women in their family. She was a sweet woman who loved life and was always active in—and gave back to—her community. We loved her dearly, and she will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched through her acts of service. Rest in peace, and God bless you, Cindy.
