Cynthia Yoder

Cynthia Ann Yoder “Cindy,” 60, of Missoula, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at St. Patrick Hospital due to complications from heart surgery.

She was born on February 26, 1965, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ray Reinertson and Diane Farra. Cindy moved to Missoula at the age of two and graduated from Hellgate High School in 1983. She later received an Early Childhood Education Credential through the University of Montana Western and was nearing completion of a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.

On October 20, 1984, Cindy married Tim Yoder in Missoula. Cindy loved exploring Missoula’s outdoor spaces with her husband and their 3 children. Some of her favorite pastimes included rafting and fishing on the Blackfoot River, biking the Kim Williams Trail, and hiking with her dog, Bow.

Cindy spent over 35 years caring for children in Missoula. She ran a licensed home daycare for over 20 years before becoming a preschool teacher at Child Start Inc., Head Start, where she worked for nine years. Throughout her career, she made a lasting impact on the lives of many children and families in the Missoula community.

Beyond her work, Cindy enjoyed traveling both near and far, attending Griz football games, and cherished bringing those she cared about together. Cindy had a great sense of humor and loved to brighten people’s day through laughter. She was generous, caring, and would do anything for those she loved.

Cindy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Tim Yoder; her children, Christopher, Mary, and Douglas Yoder; her grandchildren, Theodore Walker and Vivienne Yoder; her brothers, Douglas and John Reinertson; her sisters, Dawn Reinertson, Kristy Farra, and JaDene Brandt; and her mother, Diane Farra, and Diane’s husband, Gene Farra.

A Memorial Service & Celebration of Life will be held for Cindy at the Bella Vista Pavilion at Fort Missoula (2725 CCC Rd, Missoula, MT 59804) on Saturday, August 2nd. The event will begin at 12:30 p.m., with the memorial service starting at 1:00 p.m., led by a priest. A Celebration of Life will follow, with food provided. You are welcome to attend the memorial, the celebration, or both. Your presence will help us honor and celebrate a life that touched so many.