Cynthia Lynn "Cindy" Earehart Rinker

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home Inc. sends condolences to the family of Cynthia Lynn "Cindy" Earehart Rinker. Cynthia Lynn “Cindy” Earehart Rinker, age 61, died unexpectedly Tuesday, October 18, 2022, following an amazing recovery from a serious illness. She was born August 29, 1961, in Covington, VA to Carolyn and William “Bill” Earehart, both deceased. On September 21, 2001, she wed the love of her life and soulmate, Kenneth Eugene “Kenny” Rinker, who also precedes her in death. With her marriage to Kenny, she gained the child she thought she would never have, Olivia Lee. Cindy graduated Bridgewater College in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in English and immediately began to hone her gift of writing as she began a career in journalism at Harrisonburg Daily News-Record. In 1985, she moved to Shenandoah Valley Herald, in Woodstock, VA, where in 1990 she would advance her career to Editor and General Manager. Eleven years later, she transitioned her career to marketing at Shentel. After nearly two decades working in multiple roles/titles and leading many projects with Shentel, Cindy resigned to care for Kenny in preparation for his liver transplant in 2019, a time she cherished. In addition to her family, the people, places, and even back roads of Woodstock became Cindy’s muse for her numerous stories, articles, online and photo journaling. Her love for Woodstock, the Shenandoah Valley, and her inherent civic duty (from her dad, Bill), led her to immerse in Rotary Club, Public Library Board, ASPCA, her church and the county fair. She served in many roles with Rotary Club, including president. In 2006, she was also awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for exceptional service to the Club and her community. Most recently she was a key member of Woodstock’s 250th Anniversary committee. Cindy was also a member of Woodstock United Methodist Church where she served on several committees and was a lay reader. “The Valley” was Cindy’s home and for the last 43 years. It enabled her to become a faithful friend to people from all facets of her life: work, civic, church, and the many friends who came into her life once she met Kenny. She was also devoted to and loved her family deeply. She is survived by her brother and best friend, Scott Earehart (Carrie) of Clemmons, NC and niece, Gracilyn Virginia Earehart of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Olivia (Webb) Donald of Draper; grandchildren, Grace Tiller Donald and Samuel Everett Donald, also of Draper; her aunt, Ruth Ellen Ayers (Emmett) of Vinton, VA; her uncle, Allen Earehart, of Midlothian, VA . She is also survived by a close cousin she grew up with, Elizabeth Ayers of Salem, VA, as well as cousins Steve Morgan of Richmond, VA, Christi Earehart, Lebanon, TN, Carrie Worrell, Richmond, VA, and Belinda Endrich, Thonotosassa, FL. Cindy had a huge heart for animals and together, she and Kenny raised at least eight rescue/shelter dogs who were their fur babies. The family wishes to thank Beth Lindamood, Marsha Shafer, Anthony Riffey, Cathy John and Elisa Grimes for their love, devotion and care for Cindy, and support for our family. Also, a special thank you to Cara Majors for ministering daily to Cindy throughout her stay in rehab and post-recovery. A celebration of life and worship service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 28th at Woodstock United Methodist church, 154 S Muhlenberg St., Woodstock VA. Visitation with the family will be available at 1:00 PM, with a reception following the service in the fellowship hall of the church. We welcome friends and family to share their personal memories of Cindy during the “words of remembrance” time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donating in Cindy’s name to The Kenny Rinker Good Sportsmanship Scholarship at Central High School. Send your donation to: Central High School Athletic Boosters Club, c/o Melissa Rice, 1147 Susan Ave., Woodstock, VA 22664, with the scholarship name on the memo line. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Cynthia Lynn "Cindy" Earehart Rinker

August 29, 1961 - October 18, 2022