Cynthia Karen Foster

Cynthia Karen Foster, 85, surrounded by the love of her family, her faithful dog, Little Bit. and the comfort of the Lord passed away peacefully at home on January 24, 2026

Born Cynthia Karen Ball to Frederick and Wilma Ball on May 4, 1940, in Evanston, Illinois, she was the youngest of three siblings. Cynthia lost her father at a young age and grew up watching her mother join the workforce to provide for her children. Cynthia learned a lot about hard work, overcoming fear, sacrifice, and determination from her mother. 

When Wilma had had enough of the cold and snow, she moved her family to Phoenix, Arizona. This is where Cynthia's love of the desert began. She loved the beauty and calm the desert provided as well as riding horses throughout the rugged terrain of South Mountain Park and that love never diminished. 

Cynthia left school her junior year to marry Jay Dean Anderson. They wed October 21,1957 in Henderson, Texas and welcomed four children to their family: Chris Alan, Ronald Jay (deceased), Debra Karen, and Kelly Franklin (deceased). Although Cynthia and Jay later divorced, she always remembered the good times and was thankful for her children. Cynthia found love again and was remarried to Donald Ray Foster (deceased) May 29, 1978.

Above all else, God was the center of Cindy's life. She began her journey to Christ at a young age, was baptized in 1976, set aside time daily to teach her children about God, and was a devoted Christian her entire life. You could see her love of God and her servant's heart through her care and service to others. She was an advocate for women, and follower of Jesus in every aspect of her life. She was happiest when she could help others and surround them in God's love. 

Cindy was very creative and had many hobbies and interests. She loved to sing, sew, cook, make crafts, crochet, work on cars, and ride a motorcycle or dune buggy, to name a few. However, when you ask anyone about Cindy, you will always hear about her green thumb and her ability, it seemed, to just look at a plant and make it grow. Her love of gardening was instilled by her grandmother, and no matter where Cindy lived, she turned her yard into a lush paradise of plants, flowers, trees, and vegetable gardens. 

Cindy loved all animals and constantly took in strays, but her greatest loves were her dog Little Bit who never left her side, and horses. You never saw Cindy as happy as she was when she was riding a horse. She often complained that she lived in Texas and there was no place to ride. Her love of horses spilled into her home decor and could be found everywhere on looked: art, statues, blankets, puzzles. The only decor rivaling the horses was her vast collection of blue glass on every surface. 

Family was second only to God. Cynthia loved being a mother. She loved her children with her whole heart and was so proud of their accomplishments. If you spoke with her, she was never shy about telling you about what was going on in Chris and Debra's lives. "No brag, just Fact." she'd say. She was also excited to become a grandmother of two, Jessica and Amanda, and took great delight in having them for sleepovers, trips to the health food store, camping, and other adventures. When she became a great-grandmother to Luke, Chad, Anne~Marie, Lakeyn, Riley, Hurley, Bristol, and Ryland, she could not have been happier. She was always supportive, kind in times of trials, tried to make as many of their activities as she could, beamed from the audience when her oldest great grandson graduated high school, and regaled them with stories from her childhood. She gave them memories to cherish, wrapped in love. 

Cynthia has gone to join the Lord, but she has left her mark on the Earth, and we are better for it. A loving wife, mother, grandma, great-grandmama, and friend, her love for us will never fade or be forgotten. 

A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Grace Communion in Big Sandy, TX. 

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the link provided for East Texas Alzheimer's Alliance in honor of Cynthia.