Obituary - Cynthia "Cindy" Ruth Kafka

Cynthia "Cindy" Ruth Kafka entered the home of her Heavenly Father on Jan. 15, 2015, at the age of 52, after a valiant battle against breast cancer. Her journey on earth ended while she laid peacefully in her home surrounded by family, friends and her faithful dog, Savvy.

Cindy was born on Aug. 14, 1962, in Havre, Montana, to Charles and Ann (Hanson) Manuel. She epitomized the lifestyle of a "farm girl," exhibiting an independent spirit from a young age. Cindy adored living in the country and often told stories of the adventures she shared with her siblings, Debbie, D.D., Nancy and Jody, in the foothills of the Bear Paw Mountains where they were raised.

In 1979, Cindy was involved in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in the loss of three of her closest friends as well as the use of her lower body. Admirably stubborn and determined, Cindy chose to live her life as if her physical struggles did not exist and instead exuded a zest for life that continues to inspire others to this day.

Cindy graduated from Havre High School in 1980. She then attended Northern Montana College and earned an associate degree in business.

On July 11, 1987, Cindy married Kim James Kafka. Two children, Karlyn and Andrew, were born into their union in 1989 and 1993, respectively. Cindy also opened her heart to Kim's two daughters from his previous marriage, Holly and Kayla.

After working for the Montana Highway Department for many years, Cindy chose to focus on her partnership in the family's farming, elk and cattle ranch business. Cindy later found her true calling in life as a cranial sacral therapist. She was initially introduced to cranial sacral therapy as a patient and was awestruck by the positive results she experienced both in body and spirit. Never the victim and always victorious, she immersed herself in the study of this therapy in order to share her gift of healing with others.

After a honeymoon cruise to Alaska, Kim and Cindy's adventures continued with annual trips to visit their Germanyville family in Alaska. Due to her fearless nature and ability to overcome anything, she embraced activities that many would consider challenging, to include whitewater rafting and snow skiing. While on safari in Namibia, Africa, Cindy embraced the Himba tribe. Her compassion for children resulted in her family becoming involved with a group that constructed a school in a remote village.

Cindy's love lives on inside of her children, as exemplified through their own words:

"You taught me what it means to be a man, you taught me how to live, love, laugh and stay true to myself."

"There is an awakening in all of us that is making me see you in a whole new way - in the stories from the people you loved that are around us ... in the voice and the face of my little sister, in the unyielding determination in my big sister, in the non-stop optimism and big heart of my brother ..."

"You will always have a place in my heart as a mother, friend, teacher and ally. Thank you for all of the time we were able to share together and for all of the happiness you continue to bring to my life."

"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand." - Irish Blessing

Despite all of the obstacles throughout Cindy's journey, her faith and her love for Jesus never wavered - even at the time of her last breath. Her nephew Jay states, "Countless words have been spoken of her grace, her compassion, her lust for life, her tenacity and her boundless love for others ... but what stood out most for me about Cindy was her faith. She's always had more on her plate than anyone I've ever known; yet, whenever I spent any time around her, I've always walked away just feeling closer to God, or yearning to be."

Cindy is survived by her husband of 27 years, Kim Kafka; children, Holly (Cory) Matkin, Kayla Kafka, Karlyn Kafka and Andrew Kafka; grandchildren, Michael Matkin, Wyatt Johnstone and Ryan Matkin; parents, Charles and Ann Manuel; sisters, Debbie (Bob) Bishop, D.D. (R.L.) Grant and Nancy (Richard) Seltzer; brother, Jody (Crystal) Manuel; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

Cindy was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Vic and Verlie Hanson, and paternal grandparents, Tom and Cora Manuel.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m., at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church in Havre.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

The family respectfully requests that any donations be made to the Cindy Kafka Memorial Agricultural Scholarship Fund, Attn: Brenda Harkopf, 9086 Keats Ave SW, Howard Lake, MN 55349. Funds will be made available to local applicants.