Obituary published on Legacy.com by Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel & Monuments - Gothenburg on Sep. 5, 2025.
Cynthia "Cindy" Joyce Stickelman, age 73, of Cornville, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
She was born on June 11, 1952, at Memorial Hospital in
Gothenburg, Nebraska, the daughter of James Marvin and Patricia Evangeline Stickelman. Cindy grew up in Gothenburg, where some of her fondest memories were going fishing with her mother while her father
was at work. When they returned home, her mom would toss garlic and onion into a frying pan, filling the house with the aroma of cooking as if she had been in the kitchen all afternoon. When her father turned 40, the family moved to a small farm in Brady, Nebraska, where he worked the fields. These experiences nurtured Cindy's love of the outdoors and deepened her appreciation for family and faith. By the time she was three years old, Cindy already knew she wanted to become a nurse, a calling she faithfully pursued her entire life.
Cindy attended grade school in Gothenburg before moving with her family to Brady, Nebraska, in 1967. She graduated from Brady High School in 1970, attended Junior College in North Platte where she graduated in 1973, and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology from Kearney State College in 1976. That same year, she also earned her nursing degree from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. Cindy poured her heart into the medical field, serving with compassion and excellence for 39 years. She retired in 2015 as a respected Director of Nursing, leaving behind a legacy of service and care.
Cindy's personal life was filled with adventure, creativity, and devotion. She was married three times: first to Jerry Dorlin Robinson in July 1975 in
Gothenburg, Nebraska; then to Rickey Joe Gutherless in June 1989 in Bullhead City, Arizona; and later to Stephen William Foldesh in May 2001. She was a woman of many talents and passions. In her youth, she sang in a band, and music continued to shape her life as she joyfully led and participated in praise and worship in the churches she attended. Cindy was a strong Christian woman, devoted to her faith, her Bible studies, and sharing the love of God and HIS commandments with her family. She was often juggling multiple studies at once and shared and poured these teachings into her children and grandchildren.
Cindy had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life. She loved long walks in the cool Arizona mornings, often trekking up to 10 miles with her beloved Shih Tzu, Faith, who was never far from her side and often dressed in playful little outfits. Cindy was creative and resourceful,
always working on craft projects-whether designing a new headband for a friend or creating something special with her grandchildren.
She found joy in the outdoors, spending time hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. At the same time, she had a keen eye for fashion, delighting in shopping for stylish outfits that reflected her vibrant personality. Travel was one of her greatest pleasures; she created cherished memories across the world, including a recent visit to Nebraska to see her son Eric and his family, a trip to Hawaii with her youngest daughter Jodi's family, and a journey through Oregon and Northern California with her cousin. She was eagerly anticipating an upcoming Las Vegas getaway with her oldest daughter Lisa, followed by a European cruise that would have spanned nearly a month!
Cindy's journey as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was one of growth and renewal. In her later years, she found joy in drawing closer to her family and celebrating their milestones-most recently the high school graduations of two of her grandchildren, along with many birthdays and holiday gatherings. Her presence and love in these moments will be remembered with deep gratitude.
Cindy is survived by her son, Eric (Kristy) Robinson of North Platte, Nebraska, and their children Jaxton, Boston, Jerzie, and Londyn; her daughter Lisa (Mathew) Gear of Mesa, Arizona, and their children Hailley, Christian, Christiana, Jeremiah, Joshua, Elizabeth, and great-grandchild Ezra; and her daughter Jodi (Ryan) MacKenzie and their children Olivia, William, and Sophia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Patricia Stickelman; her brothers, Jimmy and Harry Stickelman; her sister, Patricia Ann McMichael; and her husband, Stephen Foldesh.
Cindy's life was defined by her devotion to faith, her love for family, and her unwavering passion for caring for others. She leaves behind a legacy of service, creativity, and joy that will live on through the lives she touched.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, September 10, 20025 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St.,
Gothenburg, NE.
Burial will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery,
Gothenburg, NE.