Obituary of Cindy George

Cynthia Lea “Cindy” (Opat) George, 71, of Salina, passed away December 19, 2021 at Salina Regional Health Center. Cindy was born April 29, 1950 in McPherson, KS. She was the oldest child of the late Leo and Donna (Burough) Opat. Cindy was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Salina. She also attended Brown Mackie and Marymount College in Salina. She was a clerk typist for SRS for many years. Cindy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Bethany College in Lindsborg, and finished out her career life as a social worker in the Wichita and Wakeeney, KS area. During her years on the job she was a wonderful advocate for many children and touched many lives. Cindy enjoyed coaching her daughter’s soft ball teams and helping with Girl Scouts activities. She loved the way it kept their home life active. Cindy was a dedicated Sunday School Teacher while living in Kechi, KS and Park City, KS. Cindy loved her family and coming to Lindsborg, on the weekends, to fish with them. Health concerns lead to Cindy moving into a nursing home in Salina. While there she was able to spend time with her grandchildren, who were precious to her. She was well opinionated, and was not shy about sharing her opinions with anyone. Cindy will be remembered as a good mom, grandma, great grandma, sister, and friend who always wanted to help whoever she could, and will be dearly missed. Survivors include her daughter: Autumn Steffenhagen, of Salina; siblings: Kathy Hawkinson, Cecilia Opat, Kenneth Opat, Chris Opat, Martha Nickel, Kevin Opat, and Kerrick Opat; as well as 3 granddaughters: Damiann Soper, Savannah Soper, and Isabella Steffenhagen; 4 great grandchildren: Serenitie Soper, Mason Sunderlin, Colton Sunderlin, and Kashton Lee Soper; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Cindy is preceded in death by her parents and her sister: Connie Davidson. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 206 W. Swensson, Lindsborg, KS, with Fr. Ben Shockey officiating.