Cynthia Karene "Cindy" Nitcher

Cindy Nitcher, 73, died at her home surrounded by loved ones on August 16, 2025. She passed following an extended illness.

Cindy was born on January 22, 1952, in Dodge City, Kansas, the daughter of Donald Eugene Imel and Gertrude Stella (Douglass) Imel. She graduated from Dodge City High School and completed one year of education at Garden City Community College. She moved to Lawrence, Kansas in January, 1972.

Cindy was employed the majority of her professional life at the University of Kansas where she worked for over 35 years. During the first half of her career at KU, she served in numerous capacities in the Division of Continuing Education, including Assistant to the Dean. Cindy served the last half of her career at KU Human Resources as a Senior Recruitment Coordinator.

She married Ron Nitcher on December 16, 1978, at KU's Danforth Chapel and together they were happily married for nearly 47 years. Outside of work, the couple was nearly inseparable. Each was the other's best friend. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Jennifer Elizabeth Romero (Kerry) and Madison Nicole LaDuron (Robert); six grandchildren: Mira, Mason, Austin and Anthony Romero and Veronica and Darla LaDuron; one brother, Rod Imel (Kimberly); three brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law whom Cindy considered siblings: Sandra and Charles Savell, Bob and Jan Nitcher and John and Katy Nitcher; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Both of Cindy's parents along with her loving in-laws, Keith and Hazel Nitcher, preceded her in death.

Growing up, Cindy and her family spent every summer weekend with friends and relatives at the lake boating, camping and water skiing. Cindy dearly loved her friends and family, enjoyed cooking and hosting family celebrations. At holidays, her family always looked forward to her homemade iced sugar cookies. Cindy was full of fun and laughter and was a bright light in the lives of many people. She will continue living in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Cindy will be cremated and her remains buried alongside Ron's at a later date in KU Pioneer Cemetery. No visitation or funeral services are planned. A small family celebration-of-life will be held in the near future.

Cindy's family is sincerely grateful to all of the angels at Ascend Hospice who assisted in caring for and comforting Cindy during the final days of her life. Her family also thanks the many friends and neighbors who brought flowers and food and visited with or watched over Cindy. Their love and kindness will remain forever in the hearts of Cindy's family.