Cynthia May (Gates) Mancuso, 68, of Springfield, MO, passed peacefully on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Her life began October 25, 1954, in Honshu, Japan on Misawa Airforce Base, where she was born to Jacqueline J. (Oliphant) and Herbert G. Gates.

Cindy cherished and spoke often of her adventurous childhood, thanks to her father's service in the United States Air Force. She lived and enjoyed experiences in Florida, Alabama, and Maryland and even had the privilege to call Germany her home! From her family's base in Germany, she explored the historic streets of London and Paris, the tulip fields of Holland, the medieval castles of Germany, and the exquisite and timeless beauty of Rome, Venice, and Florence, Italy.

One particularly memorable adventure was a ski trip to the Austrian Alps, where Cindy brought her cherished Christmas gift – a brand-new record player. Throughout the journey, we were continually serenaded by the sounds of her favorite 45s, which featured top hits from iconic bands like Herman's Hermits and the Beatles, who took the world by storm with their rock 'n' roll sensations!

Cindy was a creative soul with a writing gift, especially poetry. Some of her verses were witty. Others were spirit-filled, full of her passion for God's word and the love of her Lord Jesus Christ, offering comfort and inspiration to the reader. Her creativity didn't stop there. Cindy loved the arts, from her high school days in Friendly, MD, where she excelled in her favorite subject, to a lifetime filled with overflowing creativity.  Her talents encompassed a variety of mediums, from drawing, sculpture, and painting to her final days, where she discovered contentment and solace in creating numerous beautiful watercolor pieces.

Cindy had a strong work ethic and organizational skills and began her career in office work and bookkeeping. Later, she and her husband, Rob, managed the Caprice Motel in Branson, MO. As a lifelong musician and bass guitar player, Rob was a member of several bands in Branson, Springfield, and Canada, where he was from. They enjoyed their years in Branson, making friends with Branson locals and guests while surrounded by their roots and love of music. They moved to Springfield only after the Branson tornado of 2012 shut down their motel, and they decided to retire near family.

Cindy was preceded in death by her true love, Robert B. Mancuso, who passed away in April 2022, after whose loss Cindy barely recovered, only surviving him by eighteen months. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Jacqueline J (Oliphant) Gates (we always joked Cindy was Mom's favorite!), her father, Herbert G. Gates, her brother Douglas Wm. Gates,  Aunt Roberta L Oliphant (Herbert, Schnell), and cousins Kelly Herbert, Brad Herbert, and Neta Suzanne Neff.

She is survived by her daughter Joann E. Sutton; grandchildren – Andrew Michael & Madalyn May; her sister Sally Ellen (husband Clay Frisbie); nephew Grant C. Frisbie; nieces - Cassi Ellen Rose (husband Tyler Moore), Cally Rae (husband Thomas Lampe), Janie Lynn ( Husband Jacob Schlueter) her eight great nieces and nephews – Michael David, Seanna Jacqueline, Sophia Ellen, Roman Thomas, Jewell Elizabeth, Myles Jay, Amelia (Milli) Rose, Molly Jane, and great great nephew Jacob David. She is also survived by cousins Debbie Herbert and William Herbert (wife Shelly Mcquire–Herbert).

My sister wrote this poem for me right after a stroke and shortly before she passed.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for a sister so sisterly

The one who holds all the histories and mysteries

Thank you for all the fun we had sponsored by Mom & Dad

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for a sister so sisterly.

My beautiful sister, for whom I am eternally grateful, who taught me to love God and enjoy reading His Word, who bought Clay and me our first Bible for our wedding, who showed me loving kindness(unless, of course, I knowingly crossed the line and, as her little sister snuck into the freezer & ate all of her favorite strawberry ice cream), our love is….…so sisterly, it is eternal. I love you, Sissy! You're the Best!!

What Is A Sister?

A sister is someone more special than words,

She is love mixed with friendship

And a million favorite memories

That will always last.

A sister is  a hand within your hand

enfolded with love and understanding,

She gives you a feeling that makes you

Wonder what you would ever do without her,

And no one is loved so dearly.

Cindy's Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at South Street Christian Church, 500 South Ave, Springfield MO 65806.