Cynthia Acre Ziegler, a devoted educator, passionate genealogist, and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in California, surrounded by family and friends.

 Cynthia was born and raised in WaKeeney, Kansas, and attended WaKeeney Grade School, just half a block from her home. She graduated from Trego Community High School on May 25, 1949. During her school years, she was an enthusiastic participant in the Honor Society, Band, Glee Club, Latin Club, Junior Play, and Forensics.

 Tragedy struck the summer after graduation when her father, Albert Hamilton Acre, passed away unexpectedly. Cynthia postponed her college plans to remain at home with her mother, working at Acre-Hendricks Furniture Store for a year. She then enrolled at the College of Emporia in the fall of 1950, completing her coursework in 1953. While in college, she was active in the Chorale, Modern Language Club, and Currents Events Club. She also studied at Fort Hays State during the summers of 1951 and 1952 and toured Europe in 1953.

 Cynthia began her teaching career in the fall of 1953 at Avondale School in Topeka. It was there she met Bill Ziegler through a mutual acquaintance. Despite his teasing remarks about her Europe slides, a romance blossomed, and they married on December 4 the following year in WaKeeney.

 She devoted several years to raising three children and traveling with Bill. In 1974, Cynthia returned to school, earning her master’s degree in Library Science from Emporia State College in 1977. She went on to serve as librarian at Lafayette Elementary School in Topeka for 22 years, retiring in 1996.

 Cynthia and Bill moved to Thornton, Colorado, in July 1996, where she remained active in her many passions: genealogy, quilting, gardening, and music. In later life, quilting became a mission, resulting in an astonishing number of beautiful tapestries cherished by family and friends. She contrasted this artistic passion with a thirst for the wild side, often seen cycling a little too fast in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her family — always ready for a bit of fun and adventure.

 She was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church in Topeka for over 40 years, serving in various roles including Session member, Sunday and Bible School teacher, and participant in both the choir and hand bell choir. In Colorado, she continued her service at Westminster Presbyterian Church as a choir member, hand bell player and Deacon.

 Cynthia was also an engaged member of Kansas NEA, Delta Kappa Gamma (Zeta Chapter), the Topeka Genealogical Society, the Martin County (IN) Genealogical Society, and the Adams County Quilt Group.

 For her final move, Cynthia was enticed to California by her daughter Gretchen, who designed a custom room in her home with peaceful views of her beautiful garden. It was there, filled with love and comfort, that Cynthia spent her final days.

 Cynthia was preceded in death by her sister Gretchen, father Albert, mother Grace, and husband Bill. She is survived by her children: Mark, Kurt, and Gretchen, her grandchildren: Katelyn, Heidi, and Zoe, and her great grandchildren: Harlan, Noah, and Neve.

 A celebration of her life will be held at her home and garden in Eureka on Sunday, June 8th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sequoia Park Zoo or Hospice of Humboldt.

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