Cynthia “Cindy” Sue Barness, 79, of West Union, Iowa died Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa. She was born January 19,1947 in the Postville, Iowa hospital to Roland “Rod” and Hazel (Howard) Gruver. She grew up in both the Elgin & West Union areas with her parents and older brother, Curt. Cindy graduated from North High School, West Union, Iowa in 1965.
Cindy was united in marriage with Wayne Barness on August 1,1965; The couple later divorced in 1997. Two children were blessed to this union, Wendy in 1966 and Jodi in 1969.
During the course of her life Cindy worked at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, worked in the kitchen at the West Union Elementary, and helped with the family auction business for several years. She also enjoyed having a flower shop in her country home called Cindy’s Flowers, where she showcased her love of green plants. Cindy loved all things chocolate, tending to her yard and flowers, took pride in taking exceptional care of her home, and was passionate about interior decorating. Most of all she loved being a homemaker and a devoted mother.
In 1987, Cindy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and managed to battle the disease for the next 39 years. Many are remembering her for her courage, perseverance & resilience while she never let the disease keep her from enjoying life.
She later became a resident of Traditions, Maple Crest Campus & then Ossian Senior Hospice and met many good people through her medical journey at these assisted living & skilled nursing facilities. A sincere appreciation goes out to everyone in healthcare that helped her in one way or another throughout all these years.
Cindy is survived by her two daughters, Jodi (Cam) Granger of West Union and Wendy (Roger) Stahr of West Union, granddaughter Whitney (Zach) Wells & great-grandson, Miles Wells of Waverly. Several other family members and friends are left to cherish her memory.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Rod and Hazel Gruver.
Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.