Cynthia Kay Johnson

     Cynthia Kay "Cindy" Johnson, age 65, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by her family.
      Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, at 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with Pastor John Hagerman officiating. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
     Cindy was born in Alma, MI on April 2, 1960, the daughter of Eugene Clarence Hindenlang and Kay M. (Jerome) Hoffman. She graduated from Alma High School, with the class of 1979, then went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Lansing Community College.
     Before Cindy became a Lieutenant at the Michigan State Department of Corrections, she worked for Wolverine World Wide in Ithaca, MI for many years before finding her passion in Criminal Justice. After earning her degree, she spent the rest of her career in corrections before her retirement in 2014.
     On May 24th, 1980, she married the love of her life, Keith Johnson at the Ithaca Church of God. They spent over 45 wonderful years together.
     Cindy loved to garden in the spring and summertime: keeping up with her day lilies, tulips and peonies. When she wasn't outside, she was cooking or baking up something delicious to share with her beloved grandsons. In recent years, she also found a passion for crafting with her Cricut and sublimation.
     Cindy and Keith frequently visited the Smoky Mountain National Park and Gatlinburg area. You could always find them sampling moonshine, or eating at Paula Deen's and the Old Mill. They also loved visiting Ohio's Amish Country and going to the Prairie Peddler Festival. Locally, Cindy and Keith always made a point to attend Yoder's Flea Market in Clare twice a year, and various craft shows all over Michigan. They could also never forget to go on their annual trip to eat the best chicken in the state: Iva's Chicken in Sterling.
     Her love for her two grandsons knew no bounds. Her favorite thing to do with Bradley was spending hours searching for rocks to skip in the river. While with Chase, she would spend time playing video games, watching Shrek for the 100th time, or just hanging out.
     She is survived by her husband Keith; her mother Kay; her son James (Jodi) Johnson; her brothers: Richard Hindenlang and Brian (Rhonda) Hindenlang; her grandchildren: Bradley Harjes and Chase Harjes; nieces: Melissa Shrader and Melissa Neurohr; and nephews: Matthew Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Tim Hindenlang, Andrew Hindenlang, Ben Hindenlang, Scott Hindenlang, and Alan Hindenlang. She was preceded in death by her daughter Jennifer Harjes, and her father Eugene.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Cindy's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.