Cynthia Lou "Cindy" Barnett

Cynthia Lou “Cindy” Barnett, 68, of Sheridan, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, just one day shy of her 69th birthday.

Born on October 18, 1957, in Noblesville, Indiana, Cindy was the daughter of Hoover Barnett Jr. and Beverly Jean Barnett. She grew up in Jolietville, Indiana, and graduated from Westfield High School with the Class of 1976.

Throughout her career, Cindy worked as a bookkeeper for several nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, including Beverly Healthcare and Northwillow Center.

Cindy had a lifelong love for horses and was an accomplished equestrian. She proudly participated in both the American Quarter Horse Association and the Palomino Horse Breeders Association, earning numerous accomplishments throughout her years in the show ring. Her passion for horses was more than a hobby; it was a way of life and a part of who she was. Some of her happiest moments were spent in the barn, riding horses, and caring for the animals she loved so dearly.

Beyond her love of horses, Cindy had a creative spirit and enjoyed crafting, spending time with her beloved dog, Zack, and listening to her favorite musicians, Garth Brooks and Chris LeDoux. Family holidays were made a little sweeter by her tradition of preparing homemade party mix each year, a simple but special gesture that will always bring fond memories to those who loved her.

Family traditions held a special place in Cindy’s heart. She especially cherished celebrating the Fourth of July in Boonville with the Barnett cousins, a tradition built on family, her love for the small community she was so proud to be part of, and plenty of good card games. As the Fourth of July season came to an end, Cindy eagerly looked forward to catching up with the Kunkles at their annual Christmas gathering. The Kunkle Christmas party was always filled with classic pitch-in casseroles, cherished conversations with family, and, of course, a magical visit from Santa. Cindy found true happiness in the power of family, faith, and love, and these gatherings were among the memories she treasured most.

Above all else, Cindy treasured her family. She was a loving daughter, devoted sister, cousin, and wonderful aunt and great-aunt. She held a special place in her heart for her nieces, nephew, and great-nieces, who brought her tremendous joy. Her great-nieces will always cherish the memories of riding around with Aunt Cindy in her go-buggy, making memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Cindy had a caring heart, a deep love for animals, and a personality that those closest to her will never forget. Whether she was sharing stories from the horse world, spending time with family, or reminding someone to “Cowboy Up,” Cindy had a way of leaving a lasting impression. One of her favorite sayings, “Sometimes the bear gets you, and sometimes you get the bear,” was a reflection of the spirit and determination she carried throughout her life.

Cindy is survived by her loving mother, Beverly Jean Barnett of Sheridan; her sister, Donna (Bart) Rowland of Sheridan; her nieces, Brooke (Michael) Peyton and Sadie (Blake) McClung; her nephew, Colton (Tori) Rowland; and her three great-nieces, Kendall, Claire, and Merrill Peyton.

She was preceded in death by her father, Hoover Barnett Jr.; her paternal grandparents, Hoover and Rosalynn Barnett; and her maternal grandparents, Claude and Louise Kunkle.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Crownland Cemetery, 1776 Monument Street, Noblesville, Indiana.

Cindy’s legacy will live on through the family she loved, the memories she created, and the countless lives, both two-legged and four-legged, that she touched along the way.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family will forever remember her love, her kindness, and her unwavering passion for the things that brought her joy.

And as Cindy would say, “Cowboy Up.”