Cindy Sue Manos, 65, of Eureka, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2022 in the presence of her family. 

Cindy was born on December 10, 1956, to Glen and Wanell Wasson in Fort Bragg. Soon after Cindy was born, the family moved to Crannell and shortly after McKinleyville. After graduating from McKinleyville High in 1975, Cindy went to work at Simpson Timber Company in Arcata. Following her time at Simpson, Cindy enlisted in the Marine Corps, where she was stationed in Japan.

Cindy served as a Marine for four years which prepared her for a career in law enforcement. Cindy attended College of the Redwoods Police Academy and then joined the Eureka Police Department.  She served the Eureka Police Department from August 25, 1986, until her retirement on December 14, 2007.  After retirement she continued to serve Eureka Police Department until, May 20, 2013, running background checks and working closely with animal control.  Cindy took pride in serving her community and loved the many coworkers and friends she met along the way. 

During Cindy’s years at Eureka Police Department, she met James “Butch” Manos, her soul mate, best friend, and the love of her life. Cindy and Butch lived life to the fullest and enjoyed times spent together, including abalone trips, touring Humboldt to see the numerous Christmas light displays, skiing with the grandkids and visits to Fredrickson Ranch, in Kneeland. They adored the ranch, and this is where they chose to get married.  The most cherished place for Cindy and Butch was Ruth Lake, where they spent many summers with their dogs Olive, Ladybug, and Chester, eventually buying property. Later in life Cindy was able to build a cabin and spend her days in retirement with her most recent faithful furry companion Moppet. 

Cindy had a passion for music, traveling, and animals.  She loved going to concerts and would talk about all the amazing artist she got to see over the years, including Eric Clapton, Lynrd Skynrd and The Scorpions or as Cindy would say “The Scorps.” Cindy was able to travel abroad and explore the countries of Italy, Greece and Turkey, where she made some of her fondest memories. Cindy’s compassion and love for animals was unmatched and she would make endless trips across the state to transport animals in an effort to save their lives. Cindy’s life was full and adventurous, and she lived by the words she would often quote “don’t sweat the small stuff”.

Cindy is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Lola and Roy Shumard, paternal grandparents, Corbet “Rusty” and Agnes Wasson, father, Glen Wasson, mother-in-law Dorothy Sousa and husband, Butch Manos. Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Wanell Wasson, sister, Glennell and her husband Bobby McConnell, brother, Torrey Wasson, niece, Teah and her husband Mark Distefano and their children, Maddox, Lola, and Audrey, nephew, Larrin and his son Austin McConnell, nephew, Coby and his wife Logan McConnell and their children, McKenna and Grady, father-in-law Abe Sousa, step-son, Larry Manos, grandchildren Ashley and Brandon Manos and the many close friends who became family.

The family would like to thank Mercy Medical Center in Redding for their compassionate care during Cindy’s short stay. They’d also like to thank all the family and friends for their prayers and condolences, particularly Kevin Smith and Mike Stevens for all of their kindness and support during this difficult time. 

Cindy was strong, independent, and cared for those in need. She will be missed deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace surrounded by light.

Memorial services will be held at Sanders Funeral Home (1835 E Street Eureka, CA 95501) on Friday, November 4th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a burial at 11 p.m. at Ocean View Cemetery with a reception immediately following.

The family requests flowers and notes are sent to Sanders Funeral Home. Contributions in memory of Cindy can be made to United Veterans of America (https://www.uvamerica.org/) or Humboldt SPCA (https://www.humboldtspca.com/donate/ ).

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Cindy Manos’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.