Cindy Lee "Gertrude" Farrimond

Cindy Lee Farrimond passed away unexpectedly on December 3, 2025, the result of a sudden illness. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ralph and Myrle Smith and was the second of six children. At the young age of 11, she met her best friend, the love of her life, and her lifelong partner in crime. From that moment on, she and Jim were inseparable.

Cindy grew up in Kearns, Utah, and attended Kearns High School. She began her career as a seamstress for Burdet Apparel and several other companies, creating sports uniforms with the precision and care that would later define her life's work. She eventually followed in her mother- and father-in-law's footsteps and joined the wardrobe crew with Local 99 - a turning point that launched her remarkable career.

Cindy was the beloved Costume Shop Manager of Ballet West and a devoted artisan of dancewear for more than four decades. She elevated the art of costume creation and touched the lives of generations of dancers whose performances she helped bring to life. For 40 years, she served Ballet West with extraordinary skill, quiet dedication, and a perfectionist's eye. Her work included everything from hand-sewing jewels onto bodices to dyeing slippers and carefully dipping layers of tulle to achieve the perfect hues for tutus. Cindy was known around the world for her breathtaking tutus and exquisite craftsmanship. Her artistry shaped countless productions, and her steady presence behind the scenes became an essential part of the Ballet West identity. She also shared her talents with ballet companies across the globe.

Cindy's work has been recognized beyond the stage, one of her tutus is proudly on display at the University of Utah, and she was recently invited to teach a class at the university, sharing her expertise with the next generation of costume designers and dancers.

Recently, a colleague described Cindy as a "company treasure," admired not only for her masterful work but also for her deep care, humility, and love for the dancers she supported. Her legacy lives on in the beauty, precision, and timeless artistry of the costumes that graced the stage throughout her extraordinary career.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cindy built a life she loved with Jim and their children. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren more than anything else, and was quick to invite them to her home every weekend, always sharing how proud she was of them. As a family, they spent many weekends camping and fishing, making memories together in the outdoors. She loved traveling with Jim to NASCAR races and spent many weekend nights at Rocky Mountain Raceway. After growing up in the city, Cindy fulfilled her childhood dream of living in the small town she had cherished in visits to her grandparents. In August 2019, Cindy and Jim moved to Spring City, Utah, where they began creating the home and yard they had always envisioned.

Cindy took great pride in her garden, her vibrant flowers, her abundant vegetables, and the deer and hummingbirds that visited her yard day and night. She cherished the many adventures spent up the Canyon with friends and family, camping, fishing, and enjoying the peace of the mountains.

Cindy had many nicknames throughout her life, most of them affectionately given by Jim. Her favorite was "Gertrude," a name that always made her smile and perfectly captured the playful, devoted bond they shared. Jim would sometimes wander the grocery store, calling out for "Gertrude" down the aisles, knowing she'd inevitably appear with a smile. They shared a love that was unlike any other.

Cindy is survived by her best friend, the love of her life, and her husband of 45 years, Jim. She leaves behind her children Brandon, Brittany, and Dustin (Heather); her grandchildren Tyler and Hailee Baker, Chance (Temperance), and Kennedy; and her great-grandchildren Isaac and Eva. She will also be deeply missed by her little shadow, her loyal Shih Tzu, Mowgli. Cindy is also survived by her brothers, sisters, in-laws, and many friends near and far.

Preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Mryle Smith, her in-laws John and Arlene Farrimond, her brother in-laws Danny and David Farrimond and Sister in-law Cindy Farrimond.

Funeral services will be held beginning at Noon at The Capitol Theatre, 50 West 200 South, in Salt Lake City on Monday, December 15, 2025, where friends, family, dancers and colleagues are invited to share memories and celebrate the wonderful and talented woman she was.

Viewings honoring her life, work and contributions will be held Sunday evening, December 14, 2025, from 6-8PM at Larkin Mortuary – Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton, Utah as well as Monday prior to services at The Capitol Theatre beginning at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make donations to St. Jude’s Medical research in Cindy's honor.

Graveside services will be held at Noon on Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Spring City Cemetery, 6500 East Highway 117 in Spring City, Utah.

Funeral services will be streamed and recorded via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.