Cynde Barkley

When reflecting on the life of Cynthia “Cynde” Barkley, it is easy to see that there was no greater gift in her life than her family. She was gracious, kind, and compassionate as her life exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Cynde took her roles as a wife and mother to heart, but she just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother later in life. No matter what came her way, she was content with a positive outlook no matter the circumstances around her. Life will never be the same without Cynde here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

The 1960s were a memorable time in American history. This was the decade when we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States and when civil rights topped the news of the day. We had recently become a nation of 50 states, and by the end of the 1960s we had put the first man on the moon. It was just as this decade was dawning that Dale and Wanda (France) Swihart were preparing for the birth of their new baby. Their wait was finally over on January 23, 1960, when they were blessed with the birth of the baby girl they named Cynthia in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was one of four Swihart girls as she was raised alongside her sisters, Mary and Holly.

Zanesville, Indiana, was the place Cynde called home while growing up, experiencing an upbringing that was typical for the young girls of her generation. Her father worked at Tokheim while her mother worked at McJon’s Photo. Cynde loved things like riding bikes, swimming, water skiing, and camping. As a teen she got into baton twirling and even performed fire baton during halftime at their football games. Cynde also played clarinet in the marching band at Homestead High School and graduated in 1978.

New and exciting changes were in store for Cynde when she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Steven Barkley, and it wasn’t long after meeting that the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Cynde and Steven were married on December 26, 1981, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Together they welcomed two daughters, Jennifer and Pamela, into their hearts and home. Cynde was an amazing mother who lived to love and care for her family. Although it has been said that she hated cooking, she did look forward to times that her entire family could be together. Cynde was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandmother later in life, and the day she was married and each of her children and grandchildren were born were the days she treasured most. Wyatt and Krew were the light of her life, and she was so generous, loving, and tender. Cynde was the matriarch of their family, and it was through her example that they became so loving toward one another.

In addition to caring for her family, Cynde kept busy with other things as well. She spent 24 years working as a lunch lady for East Noble School Corp. For the past five years, Cynde was food service director for East Noble. In addition, she was a strong Army wife having lived in both Germany and Tacoma, Washington. In order to earn a little extra money, Cynde was an Avon lady for 30 years. Cynde’s faith was of the greatest significance, which was something she learned from her mother as she was a shining example of what it looks like to be a strong Christian woman. She loved her church and looked forward to being with her church family. Sundays also found them eating at her favorite restaurant, Charger House Restaurant, every week. Cynde liked traveling with family and friends, and together she and Steve loved checking out auctions. Around home Cynde enjoyed cross-stitching, and when it came to music she enjoyed both Styx and Chicago.

All who knew Cynthia “Cynde” Barkley would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was so funny and loved laughing out loud so much that at times her girls would have to talk for her! Compassionate and dependable, Cynde was more than wiling to help anyone in any way she could. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.