Cindy L. Thomas 1949-2025

Cindy was born Dec. 9, 1949, in Struthers, the daughter of the late Robert “Blair” and Leona Shaeffer Shilling.

She was a 1968 graduate of West Covina High School in California. While in high school, she graduated top of her class, participated in many sports, like track, where she ran the hurdles and performed the long jump, and enjoyed skating with her friends.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Cindy dedicated much of her life to raising her children and caring for her family. She also worked as a cook for Avalon Pizza, where she was known for her hardworking spirit and warm personality. She was a woman of extraordinary strength and resilience, having bravely battled and survived Stage 3 throat cancer.

Cindy had many passions throughout her life. She loved gardening, especially caring for her houseplants, and was an excellent baker. She enjoyed playing cards – especially spades – and in her younger years, loved playing volleyball. She was also a skilled seamstress and took great pride in making clothes for her children when they were young.

Her hobbies also included doing word searches and Ohio Lottery scratch-offs, and most of all, spending time with her beloved family, who fondly called her “Mom,” “Grammy,” “Grandma” and “Gma.”

Cindy is survived by her five children: daughters, Shannon (Troy) Allen of Columbiana and Bobbi (Lucas) Gonzalez of Youngstown; sons, Jason Thomas of Bonaire, Georgia, Damion Thomas of Youngstown and Jedediah Thomas of Youngstown. She leaves behind her beloved 11 grandchildren, one great-grandson, many nieces and nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Cindy was preceded in death by her siblings: brothers, Robert Shilling, Glenn Shilling, Merle Shilling and Gary Don Shilling; and sisters, Shirley Nord, Wanda Merkel and Judy Kay Shilling.

The family would like to thank Windsor House at Parkside of Columbiana and Ohio Living Hospice for the loving care they provided Cindy (aka “Cindy Lou Who”).

Family and friends will be received 10 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland.

A funeral service will follow at noon, with interment in Lake Park Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.

(special notice)