On November 7, 2021, Cynthia Leavitt was taken into the arms of the Savior and reunited with her loving parents, Ruth Zohner Leavitt and Lloyd McArthur Leavitt, and with her sister, Abigail Leavitt.

Cindy was born on July 7, 1958, in St. George, Utah, with Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida. Complications from her condition, especially hydrocephalus, caused the doctors and hospital staff to report to Cindy's parents the unlikelihood of her survival through the first hour of life. Cindy was immediately given a name and Priesthood blessing, and Ruth and Lloyd's journey of faith in the Lord's will and timing in Cindy's life began. When Cindy's strength and determination to live carried her beyond those first hours, doctors recommended that she be taken to specialists at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City for evaluation. With his three older children in the care of his parents and Cindy bundled in his mother-in-law's arms in the passenger seat of his car, Lloyd embarked on a prayer-filled journey to Salt Lake. Ruth remained in post-childbirth recovery in the hospital, a pivotal and prayer-filled time for her, with great impact on her future perspective and decision making.

The specialists at Primary Children's Hospital told Lloyd that there was nothing they could do for Cindy and advised him to take her home, provide the best care possible to help her be comfortable, and simply enjoy whatever time they would have with her. The implication was that this time would be short; however, Cindy's strength and will to live, and Lloyd and Ruth's diligence were a powerful combination. Lloyd and Ruth pressed forward with faith in the Lord, with intelligent, practical problem solving, and with love and caregiving skills beyond anything imaginable, and they were able to care for Cindy, help her to be comfortable, and enjoy their time with her throughout the rest of both of their lives. Throughout the past six years, Cindy's amazingly strong, smart, selfless sister, Eva, continued with this same quality of love-inspired caregiving, seeing Cindy through to the fulfillment of her mortal mission.

The care provided to Cindy by Lloyd, Ruth and Eva has been supplemented by the loving efforts and support of Cindy's siblings and their spouses: Jeri (Scott), Sheila (Ray), Lem (Laura) (Linda-deceased), Lisa (Rob-deceased), Amy (Richard), Eva, Valerie, Luke (Diana), Florence (Phil), Abigail-deceased, and Bradley (Emma), as well as by nieces and nephews, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, ward members, community members, and healthcare providers. Cindy brought so much goodness, light, joy and perspective into her family and into the world, part of which came in the form of opportunities to see the kindness and generosity of others.

Cindy liked to hold hands. (In her younger years this could sometimes involve an excruciatingly firm grip.) She liked a soft blanket to wrap herself up in. She liked a pillow behind her back and under her knees. She liked a book, toy or some other interesting item to hold onto. In more recent years, she needed a tablet or phone in her hand, just like everyone else, and she would reach, lean and stretch in efforts to participate in video calls going on next to her. She wanted cupboards shut, drawers closed, and tabletops and countertops cleared. She would press her right hand to the side of her head and repeatedly tap her fingers against her skull in a manner that gave the impression of deep contemplation of serious matters, or maybe just a little impatience. She didn't like shoes - on herself or anyone else. She loved bright colored clothes with interesting patterns and became quite opinionated and direct about choosing her own outfits. She liked rich food with bold flavors but needed it mild and pureed. She liked cakes, treats, chocolate and sweets and always kept an eye on what was going on in the kitchen. Although she never used words, she communicated with vocalizations which were an integral part of our family's daily life and will be greatly missed. The Spirit of the Lord surrounded Cindy and filled our lives with love, peace and joy.

Funeral services will be held in Cindy's honor on Friday, November 19, 2021, at the Gunlock Ward Meetinghouse, 733 North Main Street, Gunlock, Utah, with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and interment immediately following in the Veyo City Cemetery.

For those unable to attend, services may be viewed remotely via the following link: http://hoofprintsvideo.com/video-player-only/ .

Cynthia Leavitt Funeral Service Program