In Loving Memory of Cindy Rae Passa (Peterson) March 4, 1954 – Sunday, February 2, 2025 With love and deep respect, we celebrate the life of Cindy Rae Passa (Peterson), who passed suddenly in the afternoon on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in her home with her husband, Ronnie, by her side. Born on March 4, 1954, in Park River, North Dakota, to James Art Peterson and Zelma (Byars) Peterson, she entered this world as a fighter—a premature baby who defied the odds from day one.
A fierce and determined woman, Cindy led with strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her family. She was the kind of person who tackled challenges head-on, never backing down from what mattered most.
She graduated from Grafton High School, where she was actively involved in choir alongside her sisters, singing her heart out—a passion that stayed with her throughout life. Whether humming a tune while baking or belting out a favorite song, music was woven into her world, with a special place reserved for Elvis Presley.
In 1974, she married the love of her life, Ronnie Passa, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, adventure, and resilience. As a devoted mother she took great pride in raising her children with love and strength. She later embraced the role of grandmother pouring the same warmth and care into their lives.
Her journey took her from North Dakota to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1978, where she and Ronnie put down roots, raising their family and making lasting memories.
After decades of hard work in medical billing at Avalon Health Care and Holiday Health Care as an administrator. Cindy retired in 2021 as a true working-class hero—leaving behind over three months of unused vacation time. She never was one to slow down, even when she technically could. (She probably clocked out that last day and went straight into planning her next project.)
In her younger years, she was known for devouring romance novels like they were going out of style. She read hundreds of them, diving into stories of love, adventure, and mystery. Ronnie sure had his work cut out for him trying to keep up with those fantasy standards!
But in retirement, Cindy’s passion shifted to puzzles and crime shows. She loved solving mystical and magical designs while CSI and crime dramas played in the background nonstop. And, in true Cindy fashion, she finished one last puzzle the very morning of her passing—because, of course, she did.
But Cindy’s true artistry was found in her hands. She created everything under the sun—from wedding dresses to custom camo outfits, quilts, Indian jewelry, macramé, knitting, and countless other crafts. She was an endless flow of creativity, a gift she carried from her upbringing and passed down through every generation she touched. Even in her final days, she had plans to sew a graduation quilt for her youngest granddaughter. Her hands never stopped creating, and her love was woven into every stitch.
She also carried on a cherished family tradition, making Lefse and Krumkaka—two staples of her Norwegian heritage. Every year, she took great pride in bringing family and friends together for this time-honored tradition, turning it into a true event. It was more than just baking; it was a gathering filled with love, laughter, and the preservation of family history. Hopefully, someone will step up to carry it forward, as she would have wanted.
Beyond her family and work, she had an immense love for animals— especially dogs. Throughout her life, she had many beloved canine companions, each one holding a special place in her heart. The loss of each was deeply felt, but her love for them never wavered.
She was a woman of faith, believing in God and respecting Jesus, but she never felt confined to a church to express that belief. Her faith was personal, carried in her actions, and lived through the kindness and love she shared with others.
Cindy is preceded in death by her parents, James (Art) Peterson and Zelma (Byars) Peterson, as well as her beloved sisters Barb Lembcke, Phyllis Hoverson, Judith Peterson, brothers Gene and Dennis, nephew Brian MlCoch, and niece Trinity Leavitt.
She is survived by her loving husband Ronnie, West Valley City UT, her children Alysha (Robert) Ford, Vancouver WA, Chad (Lisa) Passa, Las Vegas, NV; her grandchildren Scott, Sage, Vancouver WA and Elizabeth, West Valley City, UT; and her sisters, Karen Haggerty, Grafton, ND, Debra Hajicek, Park River, ND,, Kathy Annette Peterson, Moorehead MN, and Mary Beth (George)Marks, Grafton, ND along with extended family and dear friends.
Celebration of Life – March 4, 2025 A Celebration of Life will be held on Cindy’s birthday, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Valley View Funeral Home located at 4335 W 4100 S in West Valley City, Utah, starting at 10:00 AM.
This will be both a birthday celebration and a memorial, honoring her love, her laughter, and the impact she made on all of us. Light food and beverages will be provided as we gather to share stories and celebrate the incredible life she lived.
Final resting place - Cindy’s cremated remains will be set to rest near her hometown at Park Center Cemetery, near Hoople and Park River, North Dakota. This is where her family burial site is, and her final resting place will be established in late spring 2025.
Everyone is welcome to attend the burial service when the time comes, but if you cannot make it, feel free to stop by anytime to say hi—she’ll be there, waiting.
Memorial contributions - In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary a nationwide charity Cindy would have loved. Contributions can also be made directly to Ronnie (Venmo @ Ronald-Passa), honoring the love and partnership they shared for over 50 years.
Cindy had a voice that carried the weight of heaven and earth—a voice that could soothe, uplift, or command attention with the same undeniable force. And when she said 'Ronnie,' you knew exactly what she meant.
Rest easy, Cindy. Your love, your strength, and your song will never fade.