Cindy Friend-Royalton, Illinois

Cindy Friend, 69, of Royalton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by the loving family who meant everything to her.

Cindy was born on March 15, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to George and Charolett Evilsizer. On September 3, 1977, she married the love of her life, Joe Friend, beginning a beautiful marriage and partnership that would span nearly five decades. Joe survives and was by her side throughout her life, sharing with Cindy a family, a farm, countless adventures, and a lifetime of memories.

Cindy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she treasured the time she spent with each of them. She leaves behind her husband, Joe; her two daughters, Amy (Chris) Cates and Niki (Jacob) Tindall; grandchildren Brooke (Lucas) VanPelt, Lauren (Brady) Maxey, Jeffrey Furlow, Olivia Cates, Wyatt Tindall, Khloe Tindall, great grandson, Ledger VanPelt. She is also survived by her sister, Sue (Mike) Clements of Yuma, Arizona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Anyone who knew Cindy knew that she had a strong will—and she was never afraid to use it. She was determined, independent, fiercely loyal, and, as her family would lovingly admit, sometimes just a little stubborn. She knew what she believed, knew what she wanted, and was not easily persuaded otherwise. That stubborn streak was simply part of the Cindy everyone knew and loved. And when life brought something that couldn’t be changed, Cindy had the perfect answer: “It is what it is.” Those four words became one of her most famous sayings, a reflection of her ability to accept life as it came, keep moving forward, and make the best of whatever was placed in front of her.

Cindy was also her grandchildren’s biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. Whether they were celebrating a milestone, pursuing a dream, playing a sport, or simply doing something that made them proud, Cindy was there cheering them on. She took immense pride in each of her grandchildren and loved hearing about their lives and accomplishments. They knew without a doubt that they had someone in their corner who would celebrate their victories, encourage them through their struggles, and love them unconditionally. Her grandchildren will forever carry the memory of having a grandmother who believed in them and made sure they knew it.

Cindy was a woman who knew the meaning of hard work, commitment, and perseverance. She spent 20 years serving as Chief Financial Officer at Christopher Rural Health Planning Corporation, dedicating herself to her work and the people she served. At home, Cindy and Joe built Friend Farms together, working side by side for 45 years. The farm was more than a place of work—it was a testament to their partnership, determination, and the life they built together.

Beyond her work and responsibilities, Cindy loved to live life and make memories. She loved to travel, especially when she could share those adventures with her family. She enjoyed taking cruises, spending time at Kentucky Lake, and traveling to Key West. Some of her happiest moments were found in those experiences—surrounded by the people she loved, enjoying a little sunshine, a little adventure, and a lot of laughter.

Cindy’s greatest legacy will not be found in the work she accomplished or the places she traveled, but in the people she loved and the memories she created. She was the heart of her family—a wife who shared nearly 50 years with her best friend, a mother whose love was unwavering, a grandmother who cheered louder than anyone, and a great-grandmother who was blessed to know her precious Ledger.

Her family will remember her strong spirit, her stubborn determination, her quick wit, her famous “it is what it is,” and most of all, the unconditional love she gave them. They will hear her voice in the stories they tell, feel her presence in the traditions she helped create, and see her legacy every time the next generation gathers together.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, Cindy’s life was one that mattered deeply. She loved fiercely, worked hard, stood her ground, laughed often, traveled far, and gave her family a lifetime of memories.

Cindy lived life in her own unmistakable way—and she would probably have told us all, “It is what it is.”

Funeral services will be on Tuesday August 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.