Cindy Louise Schiltz died on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at her home in Bigfork, with her children surrounding her in love and care.
Cindy was born on July 14, 1960, to Merritt and Isobel Smith in White Sulphur Springs and attended public school and graduated there in 1978. She attended the University of Montana and later graduated from the International Air and Hospitality Academy.
Cindy worked in Reno, Nev. for U.S. Airways where she met Mark Schiltz and they married in 1988. On Jan. 27, 1989 the couple welcomed the birth of their son Forrest Olander, and he was followed by sister Ahna Jean on May 8, 1990. In June of 1990 the family packed up and moved back to Cindy and Mark's home state and settled in Bigfork.
After moving to Bigfork, they lived in Mark’s great-grandparents’ home where their third child Taylor Isobel was born in 1992 with a midwife, father and grandparents in attendance. In 1995 the couple bought Mark's grandparents’ home across the street.
Both Cindy and Mark loved the Swan River community for the kindness and love shown to their family and for the natural beauty that surrounded them. Cindy enjoyed riding horses with her many friends and later found adventure in kayaking and camping.
Cindy was deeply involved in Swan River School and community activities, supporting 4-H, sports and artistic projects. Cindy worked at the Echo Lake Cafe where she was a fine waitress and manager. After Mark and Cindy divorced in 2007, she purchased Kravingz Cafe in Bigfork which she proudly owned and operated with her daughter Ahna until shortly before her death.
A loving mother and valued friend, she was also a craftsman, seamstress, remodeler, excellent cook, hostess and businesswoman who taught her children and her family many valuable skills.
Cindy and all of her extended family were gratified and uplifted by the outpouring of love and support at the benefit given for her in Bigfork in August, and considered it to be a celebration of friendship and a life well-lived.
Cindy is survived by her children, Forrest, Ahna and Taylor Schiltz, who were with her at home during her illness and at her death. She leaves her brother Bruce Smith, sister Wendy and brother-in-law Larry Johnson, all of White Sulphur Springs, sister Connie and brother-in-law Marvin Rehbein of Plains, and several nieces and nephews.
Cindy was preceded in death by her mother Isobel and father Merritt.
A private family memorial service is planned, to be followed by a community celebration of her life at a later date.
To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com . Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.