Cynthia Cizmek Jones

On January 2, 2026, Cynthia Cizmek Jones passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Cynthia lived a full, generous, and spirited life marked by an unwavering commitment to caring for others.

Born on August 14, 1946, in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, to George and Margaret (Amos) Cizmek, Cynthia showed early on a determination and drive that would shape her life’s work. After graduating from Bentworth High School in 1964, she earned her nursing degree in 1967 from Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh and thereafter, while working full-time as a nurse, completed a BS at Duquesne University in 1971. Her pursuit of challenges led her to Boston, where she earned an MS in Nursing Science from Boston University in 1973. Then for about 7 years, Cynthia was a professor teaching nursing at Boston College. In 1980, she made a career change moving to Kansas City, where she became Director of Communications at the American Nurses Association (ANA). She was instrumental in advancing the ANA’s Position Paper on Nursing Education.

While living in Kansas City, Cynthia met Ellis Roberts Jones III, and they married on October 19, 1991. In 1994, they moved to Park Rapids, Minnesota, where Cynthia easily merged into the community spirit. She had a gift for bringing people together. Alongside Ellis, she owned and operated RiverBend Home Expressions, a small retail gift store, for nearly two decades. She helped launch the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association. Cynthia supported the local Episcopal church and was active with Rotary Club. She was in the original group that created the very popular Second Street Stage summer concerts, which continue to bring music and entertainment to the town.

Even though they loved the views from their beautiful home on Big Sand Lake, they chose to move to the mountains of Colorado in 2021 to be closer to family. From a lake view town to a mountain view town, Cynthia easily became part of the community. She devoted herself to the Grand County Episcopal Church.

Cynthia’s symptoms emerged gradually during the pandemic and were later diagnosed as vascular dementia. She will be remembered for her devotion, dedication, and generosity of time and spirit. Her life was one of service, love, and celebration, and her legacy lives on in the many people and communities she touched. She is survived by her husband, Ellis; her brother, Darryl; her stepdaughter, Elizabeth (Chris); and her two grandsons, who brought her immense pride and joy. The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support. 

Arrangements for a memorial service are pending and will be announced when available.