Cindy Heatly Honaker, 63, passed away on March 5, 2017, in San Marcos, surrounded by the love, care and comfort of her family and friends following a courageous battle with cancer. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her through her fight and ultimately gave her peace. She was born in San Antonio on Feb. 2, 1954, to Dr. Maurice Dean and Celia (Tommie) Heatly. After graduating from San Marcos High School in 1972, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in all level physical education/health from Sul Ross State University in Alpine in 1975. While attending Sul Ross she was vice president of Student Congress and crowned Homecoming Queen in 1975. She was an emergency medical technician, teacher and coach in Fort Stockton for several years. Her career as an educator and coach spanned over 30 years, with positions ranging from elementary P.E. teacher in Uvalde; junior high girls athletic coach and elementary P.E. teacher in La Pryor; junior high special education teacher in Sabinal; and junior high inclusion teacher at Mance Park Middle School in Huntsville. Through the years she would take a break from teaching and pursue her entrepreneurial drive, starting businesses Tisket-a- Tasket and Curves for Women in Uvalde. During the summer months when school was not in session Cindy worked as a reservationist for Frio Country Cabins & Resort and as a waitress/bartender at House Pasture Cattle Company in Concan. Cindy started the Uvalde Youth Girls’ Softball Association, was an adult leader for Uvalde County 4-H, a table leader for First United Methodist Church of Uvalde Logos Program and a member of the Junior Service League of Uvalde. Cindy will always be remembered for her strong faith, radiant smile, strong hugs, vivacious and energetic personality and her drive to succeed. She was caring and selfless, always nurturing others in time of need. She had a wonderful sense of adventure and love for the great outdoors. She loved the simple things around her and never took for granted how fortunate and thankful she was. She enjoyed mowing the yard, quilting, going to the movies, fried eggs on enchiladas, a good Bloody Mary and an occasional shot of tequila, but only top shelf ! Cindy made a difference in the lives of the children she taught. Her faith and family became her greatest accomplishments. Her happiest moments were spent with her grandchildren, always teaching them about the love of God and the Lord’s Prayer. She was the #1 fan in the stands at every event for her children and grandchildren. Surviving Cindy are her three children, Samantha Honaker (Jesse) Echtler of Huntsville, William Tanner (Callie) Honaker of Sabinal, and Taylor Dean (Kim) Honaker of Uvalde. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Riata and Kaston Echtler, Harley, Hadley and Hollis Honaker, and Wyatt Honaker. Survived by best friends Pam ‘Gill’ Kimrey, Liz ‘Ennis’ ODea, Cindy Ray, Cathy ‘Tweedy’ Darter, Kathy ‘Schlueter’ Goeld; sister-in-law Millie Heatly Thomasson; and nieces Wendi, Jodi, Becki and Mandi; as well as other nieces, nephews and cousins. She was a strong, independent woman who loved God, her children and grandchildren more than anything else. Becca Elliott Ruthardt said, “She left this world a warrior, like she always lived: never defeated and beautifully brave.” She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations to the memory of Cindy Honaker will be gratefully accepted by the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. A visitation was held yesterday at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m., at Pennington Funeral Home, with Pastor Scott Bradford of the Dripping Springs UMC officiating.
THE PRECEDING IS A PAID OBITUARY.