Cynthia Ann Cross

Cindy A. Cross, 68, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully at home. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister and nurse, Cindy’s life was defined by quiet strength, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to caring for others.

Born Cynthia A. Smith in Marshalltown, Iowa, Cindy embraced nursing as her calling and served patients faithfully for more than 30 years. She cared for others at The Iowa Clinic for over 25 years and, most recently, at the Iowa Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center, where colleagues knew her for her reliability, kindness, and compassion.

Cindy’s courage was evident in her daily strength through a lifelong battle with rheumatoid arthritis, and—more recently—pancreatitis. Even on difficult days, she found joy in simple, beautiful moments: listening to live music and cheering for her grandchildren at their activities.

She is survived by her son Jeremy Smith (Urbandale, IA) and daughter-in-law Richelle Smith; her daughter Abbie Ryan (Durham, NC) and son-in-law Eric Ryan; her siblings, Steve Smith (Becky of Georgia), Doug Smith (Lin of Arizona) and Chris Stanton (Bob of Urbandale, IA) as well as and her treasured grandchildren, Macyn Smith, Trey Smith, Meryn Smith, Henry Ryan, and Lincoln Ryan. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jeanette Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. unitl 6:00 p.m., at Carper Winery in Norwalk, Iowa. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories and music, and honor a life taken too soon. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions for Women's Health Research.