Cynthia Ann Benda's Obituary
Cynthia Salseth Benda was born March 23, 1948 in Marion Indiana. The daughter of Harold and Joan Salseth who were missionaries in Africa.
Cindy’s young life was full of exciting adventures in Africa. After graduating from the missionary boarding school, Rift Valley Academy, Cindy furthered her education as a LVN and later received her Bachelor’s of Science Nursing-RN degree Magna Cum Laude at University of Texas Tyler on December 13,1991. Upon completion of her degree, she entered the Army at the age of 43. Cindy served as a Medical Surgical Nurse and became a Major during her 16 year service. While in the Army Cindy married her beloved Gary Benda December 18, 1999 who preceded her in death.
Cindy was known for her love of God and shared the gospel no matter where she was. A part of Cindy’s heart remained in Africa where she then began to conduct bible study with the widows. Her ministry also consisted of hygiene health, ministering to the orphans, feeding the Congolese refugees, and teaching classes in the Uganda Bible school. She also gave shelter and educated the Botswana people.
Cindy was proceeded in death by her husband Major Gary Benda, parents Harold and Joan Salseth, brother Ricky Salseth, and brother-in-law Doug Wilhite.
Cindy is survived by daughter Lonniea Ann and husband James Mason of Anna, TX, Son Aaron Clinton of Longview, TX, and Son Andrew Lee McNear and wife Courtney of Denver, CO. Her extended family includes Gary’s children: Gary Dean and wife Jill Benda of Hills, IA; Erin Jenenne Kennedy and husband Wade William Phillips of Dubuque, IA; Kelly Jodele and husband Nik Gonzales of Elkhorn, NE. Two brothers Jonathan Salseth and wife Terry of Semi Valley, CA; David Salseth and wife Carolyn of Gresham, OR; and two sisters: Wendy Wilhite of Eagle Creek, OR and Melodie and husband Richard Marrow. Cindy has 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Our loving and faithful Mother, Cynthia Salseth Benda, has now gone to heaven. We miss her but rejoice she is now with her Savior Jesus Christ.
Her memorial will be held on Saturday, December 14,2019 at 2:00 PM at the Lighthouse Church of Liberty City, 5805 Tx-135, Gladewater, Texas 75647.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 9:45 AM on Monday, November 18, 2019, in Shelter 5 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-7 PM on Thursday, November 14, 2019.
In lieu of flowers there are three ways to honor her memory.
- Tax deductible donations may be made by check in Cindy's memory to African Leadership Reconciliation Ministries: Alarm Inc., 14140 Midway Road, Suite 208, Dallas, Texas 75244. Make your check out to “Alarm Inc.” and attach a note saying it is “in memory of Cindy Salseth Benda.”
Online tax deductible donations may be made in honor of Cindy Salseth Benda; by following these specific directions: - Click on this link https://alarm-inc.org/awi/ to help with the Women’s Ministry. 2. In the “Notes” box, type “in memory of Cindy Salseth Benda”
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- Click on this link https://alarm-inc.org/congo/ to help with the Pygmies’ Ministry. 2. In the “Notes” box, type “in memory of Cindy Salseth Benda”
- This project helps educate 47 orphans. Education is empowerment. Checks can be made out to Missions Door and attach a note that says it is for Congo Orphan Project #72152G, in memory of Cindy Salseth Benda. Missions Door address is 2530 Washington St., Denver, Colorado 80205.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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