Cynthia "Cindy" Ann (Vargas) Tate

  Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Vargas was born on Saturday, April 6, 1968, at Campbell Memorial Hospital in Weatherford, Texas, to John Martin Vargas and Julia Ann (Magallan) Vargas, and delivered by Dr. William Brogdon. Cindy was the first grandchild of Papo and Memo Magallan, a joyful arrival that marked the beginning of a life filled with love, creativity, and dedication to learning. She passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Longview Regional Medical Center, at age 57.

  Cindy grew up in Weatherford, attending Weatherford High School and graduating with the Class of 1986. Alongside her studies, she became a licensed cosmetologist and later earned her associate degree from Weatherford College in 1988. She began her working life in 1984 as a teletype operator for Dave and Ruth Ann Lang at Dralco.

  In 1991, Cindy married the love of her life, James E. “Buzzy” Tate, Jr., in a heartfelt ceremony at the First Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas. While living in San Angelo, she worked as a cake decorator for H-E-B before returning to the Weatherford area in 1994. She then joined Antelope Oil Tool & Manufacturing Company in Mineral Wells, Texas, while completing her Bachelor of Liberal Science degree and earning her teaching certificate in 1998 from Tarleton State University.

  That same year, Cindy began her 25-year teaching career with Weatherford Independent School District, serving at Crockett Elementary, Curtis Elementary, and Shirley Hall Middle School, where she discovered her passion for science and math education. Her dedication to her students led her to work after-school programs, summer school, and countless extracurricular activities. Principal Lori Bratcher later invited her back to Curtis Elementary to serve in the Special Education Department, where her compassion and commitment to every student shone brightly. Cindy retired from public education in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and unwavering care for her students.

  Following her retirement, Cindy and Buzzy moved to Bob Sandlin Lake near Mount Pleasant, Texas, where she embraced the outdoors and her many hobbies. She loved fishing, amateur photography, and capturing the beauty of nature. A gifted artist, she enjoyed drawing and painting watercolors, often sharing her creations as gifts and contributing to the Manuel and Anita Vargas Memorial Scholarship Fund to help Lamesa High School graduates pursue higher education. Cindy was musically talented, playing the French horn since sixth grade and delighting family with her piano skills during gatherings. She also cherished traveling, especially short road trips that offered new experiences and lasting memories.

  Cindy was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Victor Garcia and Sophia (Guerra) Magallan, and paternal grandparents, Manuel F. and Anita (Liscano) Vargas, all of Lamesa, Texas; mother and father-in-law, Nancy and James E. Tate, Sr.; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

  She is survived by her beloved husband, James E. “Buzzy” Tate, Jr.; father, John Martin Vargas; mother, Julia Ann (Magallan) Vargas; sister, Amanda Sophia Zapata and husband, Steve, and their children, Nicholas J. Zapata and Jacob A. Zapata; sister-in-law, Janet Smith and husband, Matt; nieces and nephews, Chelsea Franklin and husband, Lance, Ryan Ricketts and wife, Shannon, Ty Holman, and Maddie Cloy and husband, Carson; great-nieces and nephews; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loving relatives.

  A memorial service to celebrate Cindy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025, at North Side Baptist Church, 910 North Main Street, Weatherford, Texas.

 Friends and family will gather to honor the life of a loving family member, devoted educator, and a cherished member of the community whose kindness, creativity, and passion for life will be remembered always.

 Please note: Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel is not affiliated with the memorial service arrangements.

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