Cynthia Del Valle, 70

Cynthia Ann Del Valle, 70, passed away Nov. 24, 2022, at her home near Priest River, Idaho.

Cindy was born Nov. 18, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio, to Howard and Catherine Wehr. During the early years of her life, she lived on the family farm in Galloway, Ohio. This began her love for animals and country living.

In her early teens, her family moved to Upper Arlington, a suburb of Columbus. Cindy lived there with her parents and brothers Greg and Jeff; and sister Cathy. She graduated Upper Arlington High School in 1970. After high school, she moved to Indianapolis for a short modeling career, then to Chicago, where she and a partner owned an art studio and cafe.

In 1985, Cindy moved to Steamboat Springs, Colo. On her birthday in 1987, she danced her first dance with her future husband, Bob Del Valle. They married Aug. 5, 1989, in Steamboat Springs. Cindy always dreamed of living in a log cabin. Bob owned a log cabin home in the country, which brought much joy to Cindy. Bob had two daughters, Corrine and Stacie, from a previous marriage. Cindy loved both girls like they were her own daughters, and they loved Cindy. In 1988, Cindy became the animal safety officer for the Routt County Sheriff's Department. During her 28-year career, she worked with local animal shelters, pet owners and the ranching community investigating animal complaints. In 1997, Cindy co-founded the Animal Assistance League of Northwest Colorado, which provided assistance and funding to local animal shelters and pet owners.

In 1998, Bob and Cindy adopted their son, Justin, who was 10 years old. Cindy treasured her role as Justin's mom and provided constant love and guidance, supporting Justin as he grew. Cindy was passionate about the work she did with animals. She had great love for her family and her love for Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

Cindy retired from the Routt County Sheriff's Department on Nov. 4, 2016. Two weeks later, Bob and Cindy moved to North Idaho. In 2018, they moved into their new home near Priest River. Cindy now had time to pursue hobbies of scrapbooking family photos, making crafts for fall craft shows and landscaping their home. Cindy was an accomplished decorator. She made their new house into a home for family and friends to enjoy. Christmas was Cindy's most joyful holiday. She put up three Christmas trees and decorated them with a huge assortment of ornaments. She was happiest in her kitchen, baking Christmas meals and cookies for her children, grandchildren and friends.

In early 2019, Cindy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. From that day forward, she lived each day with joy and thanksgiving. In spite of her health issue, she often made meals for older members of her church, made healing baskets for patients at the cancer clinic where she also received treatments, was a board member for the Little Lambs Preschool at her church and cleaned the Priest River and Laclede post offices. Cindy truly lived life to the fullest measure and loved to serve others.

Cindy was surrounded by family and friends when she passed away peacefully in her home. Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Howard, mother Catherine and step-daughter Corrine.

A memorial service and reception will be held Feb. 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Christ Our Redeemer Church, 1900 W. Pine St., Sandpoint, Idaho. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to Little Lambs Pre-school, located at Christ Our Redeemer Church.