Cindy Rarey Dyas

DYAS Cindy Rarey Dyas, age 50, of Upper Arlington, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2005 to be with her Lord after a 15 year courageous battle with breast cancer. She has left a multitude of caring and committed family members and friends. Cindy is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 26 years, Mike; and daughters, Gretchen (Kevin) Chan, Kelly and Alyssa. She is also survived by her dedicated parents, John and Ann Rarey; and sister, Barbara (Charles) Lott; and niece, Ryan; her in-laws, Jack and Ann Dyas; brothers-in-law, John, Carl (Marcia), Steve (Lisa), Bob (Susan), Richard (Olga); and sisters-in-law, Peggy Dyas and Annie (Yury) Verbitsky; as well as many nieces and nephews. Her myriad of friends include all who met her in her journey of life from childhood through her last few days. Cindy's passion and love of life embraced all who were blessed to call her a friend, a loved one, a family member. Cindy was a lifelong resident of Upper Arlington and a 1973 graduate of Upper Arlington High School. She was a 1977 graduate of The Ohio State University, where she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Cindy was a longtime employee with Highlights for Children. In 1994 she received the Upper Arlington Rotary Northwest Woman of the Year Award for her many community volunteer activities which included Pleasure Guild of Children's Hospital, the Buckeye Ranch Sustaining Board VIII and school volunteer work. Cindy was also a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer who was involved from the inception in bringing The Race for the Cure to Columbus in 1993. She then served on the Board of the Race Committee and has walked in all but one race. She has devoted her time generously to helping others battle cancer through the American Cancer Society, the Arthur James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, and Can Sur Mount. In 2004, Cindy received the Komen Cameo Award from the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation in recognition of her exceptional volunteer contributions. She also received the Kellogg's Keep the Promise Award for recognition of her many contributions in helping to eradicate breast cancer. This past October Cindy was the first recipient of The Cindy Dyas Award of Heroism which will be awarded annually by the Race for the Cure to a long-term breast cancer survivor whose courage, determination and steadfastness in the fight against breast cancer has advanced the search for a cure and given strength to others. This award magnifies the life that Cindy lived while battling cancer. Many, many lives were graced by her desire to live and to fight this disease. Cindy was an active member of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church and participated in several Bible studies and prayer groups. Her realization of God's mercy and grace was lived out in her care for others. Cindy was an inspiration as a wife, mother, survivor and friend. We will all miss her beautiful smile, her zest for life and the joy she brought others. Cindy is a gift to all who knew her. She taught us how to live life and taught us the meaning of love, grace and friendship. Her family would like to thank everyone who has offered their love and support over the years. A Celebration of Cindy's life will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church at Mill Run, 3500 Mill Run Drive, where family will receive friends immediately following the service. Cindy requests that everyone wear bright colors in honor of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cindy Rarey Dyas Fund for Research at the James Cancer Development Office, 300 West 10th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210 or Komen Columbus, P.O. Box 16842, Columbus, OH 43216, in her memory. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road.