Cynthia “Cyndy” Dee Ricketts
August 18, 1967 – September 25, 2023
Cynthia “Cyndy” Dee Ricketts, born August 18, 1967, in North Platte, Nebraska, was a beacon of light and warmth to those who knew her. She was a woman of immense strength, kindness, and grace. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” These words encapsulate Cynthia’s life; she was a person who left a lasting impression on everyone she interacted with.
Cynthia dedicated her career to helping others in their most difficult times. As a Family Service Representative at Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska, she provided comfort, support, and guidance to countless families navigating the complexities of loss. She was a respected and beloved figure in her community, known for her compassion and her unwavering dedication to her work. Cynthia’s own personal mantra was, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can”. She lived this out daily, and her legacy is a testament to her commitment to service.
Cynthia is survived by her loving husband, Robert Altmaier, and their two beautiful daughters, Jillian and Lexi Altmaier. Her siblings, Crystal and Jeff Ricketts, also remain to cherish her memory. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Beverly (Bud) and Karen Ricketts. As we remember Cynthia, we celebrate the love, warmth, and joy she brought into our lives. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, much like the lighthouse guiding ships through the stormy sea.
Please take a moment to share your memories of Cynthia, upload any photos that capture her spirit, and celebrate her life on her memorial page. As we continue to honor her memory, let us remember Cynthia’s life as one marked by kindness, service, and love. She will be deeply missed, but her impact will be felt for generations to come.
A celebration of Cyndy’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 29, 2023, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln. Viewing 1 hour prior to service.
Memorials to the family for future charity designation.
Cyndy’s family: I am devastated to hear of Cyndy’s passing. She has been my go to person at Wyuka since 1990 when my Mom passed away. She knew each of our family by name, called my Dad on a regular basis to see how he was doing and met him for months and months at the grave site to say hello. She was there when my Dad passed away and we knew she would take care of this funeral with the love she always displayed.
My heart is broken to know she is not with us any longer. She was the most personal person I have ever met in the funeral industry.
My prayers with you her family at home and at Wyuka.
I’m shocked and saddened to hear of Cyndy’s passing. Cyndy walked with me through my grief and confusion when my two sons passed. Her kindness, helpfulness and friendship will always be remembered. Condolences to her family and work associates.
I was saddened to read of Cyndy’s passing! I worked with her in the early 2000’s! She was always so kind and friendly and certainly displayed that affection to her clients! What a gem! God be with her family as they mourn her passing!
I am deeply saddened to read about Cindy’s passing. She guided us through the process when we decided to pre- arrange our funerals.
I was so glad we chose that path. When my husband passed away suddenly, things were so much easier. Cindy was there for me and my family.
I used to see Cindy at state swim meets when her daughters were competing. She will be dearly missed.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Cindy’s passing. She guided us through the process when we decided to pre- arrange our funerals.
When my husband passed away suddenly, Cindy was there to help carry out those choices.
Over the years, I saw Cindy at state h.s. swim meets when her daughters competed. She will dearly be missed.
Jeff, Jill, and families,
The messages on the Wyuka site are a testament to the kind of woman, employee, and sister Cyndy was. It is apparent she was held in high regard and had such a caring heart. I know her death was totally unexpected and we mourn with you. We are so sorry and will be holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers now, and in the days to come.
Cyndy was a loyal and thoughtful family member, hard worker, devoted mother, competive card partner and she will be missed greatly and remembered often.
Cyndy assisted us in planning our burial in Wyuka. She was very kind, thoughtful, and patient with us. We were saddened to hear of her untimely passing.
We have been neighbors to Cyndy for just over two years. She knew that we have an elementary-aged daughter. Last summer, when she held a garage sale, she GAVE our daughter a precious red shirt with white hearts on it and would NOT allow me to pay her for it.
Those tiny moments with people are what make lasting impressions. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Cyndy’s family and closest friends.
I was saddened to learn of Cynthia’s passing! She helped us through the process when we had to bury my daughter and was readily available if our family had any questions. Her compassion towards my family made us feel comfortable. The world truly has lost a beautiful soul.
Oh my…this hurts a lot. I took care of Jillian at my home childcare for the first 4 years of her life. I spent so much time with Cyndy. I’ll never forget all the times we spent sitting in my livingroom chatting, watching the kids play. Going on field trips she was always first to volunteer to go! She loved her girls so very much. I got to spend some time chatting with her a few months ago and she just gushed over both the girls and where they were in their lives. I’m going to miss her so much.
We are so saddened to read of Cyndy’s passing. She helped me navigate through my Mom’s passing and helped us pre-arrange ours as well as my brothers. Every time I had a question or needed help in maintaining Mom and Dad’s gravesites she jumped right in to help. We exchanged ideas when she was helping her Dad before his passing and with my Mom. She always talked about her girls and the pride she had in them with their swimming. Anytime I knew of someone needing guidance through funeral preparation I steered them in her direction – she was always such a great help. A lot of us will be lost without her, knowledge, guidance, and professionalism. My heart breaks for her family – she was so dedicated to them all.
My husband and I were deeply saddened to hear of Cydny’s passing. It was this past Monday when we came to her after losing my husbands brother. She was so kind and caring. She helped us pick the best final resting place. She encouraged my husband and I to plan for ourselves. Thank you for sharing your moments with us that day. We will be forever thankful for you.
Cyndy’s family has swim family for many years. Especially past 10 years. As couples we spent lots of time together year round cheering our kids on! Memories never forgotten!
Both Jillian & my son went on to swim in college at different colleges. Thankful for everlasting friendship.
Seeing the pride she had in her girls was very special to me. She lit up when she spoke about her family!
She was the light, not only in their world girls & Rob, in many peoples worlds at work, but as our swim couples friend & my friend. I will always cherish my last conversation with her a few weeks, as I reminded how much we had common and loved the same things! Especially shopping!
She will continue to shine her light, but now in a different way. She will missed dearly by everyone especially Rob & girls, but I’m going keep showing them the signs of that light, that Cyndy is shining down on them! She will be angel & a shining star! ⭐️
Prayers to them as the endure life through this difficult time! 🙏🏻
Dear Rob, we were so sorry to learn of Cyndy’s passing. We have so many fond memories of our time together on West Jennifer street. Cyndy always made time to chat a bit on the driveway.
Rob and family. We are so sorry to hear of Cyndy’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.