Cynthia Rinnels

Cynthia Rinnels, 79, of Eldora, passed away Monday, May 29, 2023 at Eldora Specialty Care. Visitation will be from 12-1 PM on Friday, June 2, 2023 at the Woodley Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest with a graveside service and burial at the Fairview Cemetery in Waterloo, following visitation. Woodley Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is caring for Cynthia and her family. Cynthia Susan Downward Rinnels was born on May 7, 1944 in London, England to Edward and Agnes Downward. She grew up and graduated from high school in Sheffield, England. Cynthia came to the United States with her mother in 1963 and became a U.S citizen. She later married Gary Edward Rinnels in Cedar Falls, Iowa where they resided. From that union they had two daughters, Jolene Kay and Melinda Sue. They also lived a short time in Arkansas. The couple later divorced. Cynthia then made her home in Waterloo, Iowa at Ken Circle Apartments for many years until her health issues prompted her to live at the Eldora Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora, Iowa, which was closer to her family. She resided there for the last 14 years. Cynthia was a housewife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a devoted Christian. She also was a wonderful friend to so many and loved to help others in any way she could. She had a special place in her heart for the elderly. Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting, and missionary work in her younger years. She was blessed to travel to Israel and back to England to visit family. She always loved to go to the annual bible conference in Waterloo. She spent many hours reading her bible and praying for others. She also loved watching her favorite Christian programs. Cynthia was proud of her family and loved her daughters, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She always wanted to be as independent as she could. She loved many residents at the Eldora Care Center and treated them like family. The staff at Eldora Nursing and Rehab treated her like family and were so very good to her. She was particular about how she wanted things and to be cared for. She loved getting together with family anytime she could for family gatherings, birthday celebrations and holidays. She enjoyed taking rides, shopping and going to parades. She never missed anyone’s birthday, anniversary or holiday by sending cards to family and friends on those special days. That was so important to her. Cynthia Rinnels is survived by her daughters, Jo (Harvin Rust) of Grundy Center, Iowa, Mel (Marty Horstmeyer) of Loveland, Colorado and Janice Rinnels of Ackley, Iowa; grandchildren, Meagan (Mitch Murray) of Lawler, Iowa, Michael (Danielle Lindaman) of Greene, Iowa, Mason (Alicia Lindaman) of Ackley, Iowa, Jennifer (Peter Franklin) of Columbia, Missouri, Rachel Horstmeyer of St. Louis, Missouri, Joel (Amanda Rust) of Holland, Iowa and Jen Rust of Cedar Falls, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn and Alex Murray and her great-granddaughter Everlee Fay Lindaman, and all of her great grand dogs. She is also survived by her sisters in- law, Zelma Frickson and Andi Wroblewski; nephew, Robert (Amy Frickson) and a very special friend, Sally Fish of Waterloo, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, William Frickson; step-brothers, Francis (Pam Frickson), Billy Frickson and Butch Wroblewski; step-sisters, Joy Mooney and Jean Whittenburg and very special friend, Eudora Ehert.

Tributes

Cynthia Rinnels

May 7, 1944 - May 29, 2023