Cynthia "Cindy" Diane (Thompson) Hillyer

Cynthia Diane (Thompson) Hillyer, 68, of Quaker City, passed away Friday (December 29, 2023) at her home surrounded by her cherished family and friends.

She was born February 2, 1955 in Barnesville, Ohio to the late Gene "Geno" Boyd Thompson and Navale (Flood) Thompson.

Cindy was a 1973 graduate of Zane Trace High School where she served as librarian, a member of the Pep Club, FHA, and the Drama Club. She also deeply treasured her childhood and lifelong friendships with many, including, Nancy Lucas,  Tina Beckett, Debra St. Clair, Rita Bates, Jill Lee, Susan Wehr, Pam Roe, Karen Clark, Patti VanCamp, and the late Sue Roe.

Cindy was often called "Sill" by those that knew and loved her. She filled her home with the love of Jesus Christ and imparted that love to all she encountered. She knew her way around a game of Cinch and Euchre. She loved to spend time with family and friends, study genealogy, tend her beautiful flower gardens, scrapbook, craft, journal, take memorable photos, watch Hallmark movies,  and most of all -- have fun.

She was a devout member of the Quaker City United Methodist Church where she spent many years following her calling to be a leader in adult and children's ministries, including vacation Bible school and Circle of Angels. Cindy touched the lives and hearts of many and made it her mission to ensure everyone was made to feel important and having a good day. Her laugh and beautiful smile were contagious, but her heart made her most special.

Cindy gracefully embodied the true meaning of devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, and neighbor.

In addition to her parents, she was preceeded in death by her step mother Wilma Thompson and  sisters in law Susie Hillyer and Judy Miley.

Cindy is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Ricky Allen Hillyer, whom she married July 31, 1976. A son, Clint Allen Hillyer (Michelle Sigman and Preston), a daughter, Jodi Nicole Hillyer (Jason Dick), both of Quaker City. Two precious grandchildren Javin Allen and Jocelyn Navale Dick. A brother John Dewey (Marsha) Thompson, step sisters Beverly (late Gary) Ault and Robin (Ron) Duvall, brother and sister in law Paul and Lougene Singleton, nephew David (Tara & Evan) Thompson, niece Michelle (Cory, Mason, & Brycen) McQuain, special cousins Vickie Liptak, Julie Carpenter, Tara Peyton, and Kylie Gilcher, several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Cindy played the special role of mom and grandma to Shannon (Vaughn) Hendshot, Miranda (Brody, Ashton, & Nova) Hollenbeck, Kari (Hunter, Dawson, & Grayson) Dillon, and Madison Hendershot. She treasured her friendships with "the neighbor girls" Stephanie (Scott & Owen) Buxton, and Alicia (Adam, Noah, & Maddox) Miracle.

The family would like to thank the Hospice of Guernsey. A special thank you and heartfelt gratitude to friend and caregiver Billi Bell and numerous other caretakers of Cindy's.

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to The Quaker City United Methodist Church, The Esther Circle, and The Hospice of Guernsey.

Visitation will be held at Thorn Black Funeral Home in Quaker City Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 4-8 pm.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11 am with Pastor Kris Bright officiating with burial to follow at Friends Cemetery.