Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Cindy Tims Memorial
Cindy Tims Memorial

Cindy Tims

Cindy Tims

Thursday, August 18th, 2022

Cindy Tims, 78, passed away on August 18, 2022 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.  Born on April 26, 1944 in Seattle, WA, Cindy was the first-born child of William and Mary Kitts.

Growing up, Cindy attended Bryant Elementary, Eckstein Middle School, and graduated from Roosevelt High School.  She enjoyed spending summers with her beloved grandmother, Gammy, at the family’s farm in Birch Bay and their beachfront property in Anacortes.

Cindy briefly attended Washington State University in Pullman, WA where she met and married her first husband, Gary Speerstra.  Together they served in the Peace Corps in India, moved to Michigan (where Cindy graduated from the University of Michigan), and in 1971, had a daughter, Gretchen.  While Gretchen was still a baby, Cindy chose to venture off on her own and moved herself and her daughter back to the Northwest.

In 1975, she enrolled in the University of Puget Sound’s Law School, where she met Steve Skelton – quickly realizing their connection began years before as children at the neighborhood bus stop.  Upon graduation, in 1977, Steve and Cindy moved to Anacortes where they were quickly and simultaneously sworn in as attorneys and married in a single, simple ceremony.  They began a law practice together, which they shared until 1995.  Cindy retired in 2004.

Cindy and Steve enjoyed traveling extensively during their 45 years together, visiting China, Africa, and the Caribbean.  In 1990, they discovered the town of Puerto Escondido on the coast of Oaxaca and would begin traveling there exclusively for increasing durations of time, eventually becoming permanent residents in 2015.  They were part of a large community of dear friends there, enjoying weekly dinners, live music and dancing, volunteering at their neighborhood library, and offering generous support to local businesses, schools, artisans, and families.  They were forced to say goodbye to Puerto in 2021 due to health issues.

Cindy was a voracious reader, a passionate art collector, an epicurean, and was a strong, lifelong advocate for women’s rights, and those of the LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, as well as many other social issues.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Skelton; her daughter, Gretchen Speerstra; her grandsons, Aidan Carlisle and Caleb Carlisle; her brother, Bruce (Cindy Jo) Kitts; nieces, Jill (Mike) Estes, Melissa Kitts; nephews, Jeff Kitts (Tyler Higgins) and Jamie Kitts; several great nieces and nephews; and a large clan of cousins from both her mother’s and father’s sides.

Share your memories of Cindy and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.

Guestbook

  • James and Joyce Anderson

    Steve, Gretchen and Family
    So sorry to learn of Cindy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
    James and Joyce Anderson

  • Linda Britain

    So very sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. My deepest sympathy Steve.

  • Bobbi Krebs-McMullen

    Dear Steve and Family: I was saddened at the news of Cindy’s passing. I will always remember her as a strong supporter of justice especially for people who might not have easy access to legal assistance. Last time I saw her, she was happily cooking wonderful Mexican dishes for guests in Puerto Escondido. She made a difference in many ways for many people. So very sorry for your loss.

  • Kelli Frazier

    Steve & Family..
    So very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Cindy. Especially when she was lunching at the Coffee Korner. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Take care of each other.

  • Yvette Muller

    Cindy will greatly be remembered by all of her Puerto family. Our sincerest condolences to Steve and family. They were our neighbours for 9 years and we deeply miss them. Sending love and hugs.

  • Nancy Scott

    Steve and Family
    I was so sorry to hear about Cindy’s passing. She was such a wonderful human being. I have fond memories of Judge Deierlein marrying you both and swearing you in to join the legal community. My condolences to you and your family.

  • Ruth Vitovec

    Steve and Family,

    Heart-felt condolences on Cindy’s passing. She was a joy to know. Que descanse en paz. Abrazos. Ruth y José Vitovec

  • Beverley Stefureak

    Steve , My sincere condolences in the loss of your soulmate. Great, great memories from times together in Puerto with you and “Ceendy”. Hugs, Bev Stefureak

  • Marcella Sheridan

    I’m so sad Steve to hear of Cindy’s passing.
    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayer

  • Jerrie

    We remember the good times with Cindy and Steve at the Sunset Bar in Puerto. She was gracious and endowed with great patience which Steve tested often. We will miss her and condolences to Steve and Gretchen. Love, Jerrie and Kathy

  • Linda Perry

    I was so sad Steve to hear of Cindy’s passing. I am so grateful to have known her.
    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I will raise a glass in Cindy’s honour in Puerto this year. Hugs

  • Audrey & Remi Handfield

    Sincere condolences to Steve and family. We’ll remember and miss the conversation, smiles and, always, the dancing!
    Rest well Cindy, forever missed 💙

  • Robin & Jim Blair

    Steve and family – So sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. She helped so many people as an attorney and through her social work. I loved when we were able to get together on your visits home to catch up and share some stories. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time