Cynthia Ann (Anderson) Walker, devoted wife, beloved mother, family matriarch, friend to many and servant of Jesus Christ, passed away May 20, 2024.  Cindy was born to Ted J. and Hilda L. (Sundquist) Anderson in Deadwood, SD on Aug. 10, 1939.  From the humblest of beginnings, they lived in Trojan, SD where her father worked underground in the Bald Mountain Gold Mine. When the family moved to Rapid City in 1942, she began school at the Cleghorn Canyon School then graduated from Rapid City High School in 1957.

Cindy chose a career in nursing and enrolled in the St. John's McNamara School of Nursing graduating in 1960 with a nursing degree. Cindy met Donald D. Walker while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force at Ellsworth AFB. They were united in marriage on May 27, 1960, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City, where Cindy, her parents and brothers are charter members. Don and Cindy were inseparable. Their life together was full of adventure and children. The joy and responsibility of children began in 1961 with the birth of Christine followed by Karen (1962), while Don was attending the University of South Dakota at Vermillion.  When Don landed a teaching position in Rapid City, the family settled and made Rapid City and Piedmont, SD home where they welcomed Donald Jr. (1964), Michael (1968) and Wendy (1970). Those were the busiest of days, working and yet following the activities of five children.

Cindy went on to earn a Baccalaureate degree and master's degrees in nursing from SD State University. Cindy had a rewarding career working as a nurse, counselor, and teacher at Ft. Meade VA hospital. She had worked at Bennett-Clarkson Hospital in Rapid City.  She often took graveyard shifts at both. She reported for duty at Bennett-Clarkson hospital at 10:30 PM on June 9th, 1972, the night of the 1972 flood.  Narrowly escaping the rising waters herself, she worked to move patients from the flooding basement to higher floors. Later she heard the screams for help of victims clinging to trees and floating by on the roofs of their homes along the creek behind the hospital. Cindy's fate was unknown to the family until later the next morning as telephone communication was knocked out by the flood.

Cindy retired from the VA after 25 years of service, having worked in most all nursing roles at her different places of employment, from emergency room, newborn nursery, oncology, psychology ward and general floor. With all this extensive education and experience, Cindy concluded her career by teaching others.

Cindy led an active lifestyle which was an inspiration to her family and friends.  She and her husband Don shared the love of running and biking and they conquered many miles together.  Cindy completed an impressive 30 marathons, outdoing Don by 10.  Cindy and Don were active in the Black Hills Runners Club, started the Piedmont Run and enjoyed participating in and organizing many races together and with friends.  Her love for sports extended to the games of pickleball and cornhole, where she displayed her competitive spirit and skill. She also loved spending time with family and friends playing cards, Farkle and board games.  Cindy's zest for life was infectious, and she brought joy and laughter to every game she played.

Cindy and Don led an adventurous life which resides with us still as fond memories. Always with family or friends they traveled often to Hawaii, Arizona, Mexico and to Washington State for salmon fishing with brother Jon and BJ.  Then there was the Alaskan cruise for all the family, an Oval Office photo op to meet the President, and a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with a stay at Phantom Ranch.

Her children and grandchildren are forever grateful for her unconditional love and support.  Don and Cindy enjoyed attending their countless activities.  Smiles and laughs were plentiful with Mom/Grandma.  Cindy also encouraged people to awaken their faith in Jesus Christ, attend church, but her witness was strongest by the exemplary life she led.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Don, five children; Christine (Steve) Pummel, Bozeman MT, Karen (Tim) Bestgen, Piedmont SD, Donald, Jr. (Barbara) Walker, Rapid City, Mike Walker Rapid City and Wendy (Chad) Bowman of Wenatchee, WA., two brothers, Jon C. Anderson (Billie Jean) of Vancouver, WA and Mark (Carla) Anderson of Rapid City.  Don and Cindy have 16 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, and the number is growing.  Cindy is preceded in death by her parents Ted and Hilda Anderson and one grandson Kyle Bowman.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 5311 Sheridan Lake Rd., Rapid City.  The family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service. A light lunch will be served after the service for a time of visiting and sharing stories.   The interment will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery on Friday, May 24th at 10:00 a.m.

In honor of Cindy's remarkable life and legacy, a memorial will be established. This memorial will serve as a tribute to her enduring spirit and the profound impact she had on those around her. It is our hope that through this memorial, Cindy's love and light will continue to shine, reminding us of the beautiful soul that she was.