Cindy Trentham, 66, of Balko, OK, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Dallas. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Balko Baptist Church in Balko, OK. Pastor Todd Carr will officiate the service, and burial will take place at Bethel Cemetery.
Cindy was born on March 9, 1957, in Okmulgee, OK, to Dale and Joan (Regier) Trahern. As the second of three siblings, she embraced her role as the “middle child” and held a particular fondness for others in the same position. Cindy attended elementary and junior high school in Cushing, OK, where she was a member of Brownies and Girl Scouts, took piano lessons, and played clarinet in the band. An avid reader at a young age, she always met her library book reading goals and even read 100 books during the fifth grade. Her lively and sociable nature was evident from her youth, as recalled by several teachers who noted on her report cards that Cindy loved to “visit” (maybe a little too much) with her classmates.
In 1970, Cindy’s family moved to Liberal, KS. She completed eighth grade at West Junior High School and then attended Liberal High School. At Liberal High School, Cindy was active in the Office Education Association (OEA), and she won a trip during her senior year to Chicago to represent Liberal High School and the State of Kansas in national contests at the National Office Education Association Leadership Conference. She also worked at the A & W restaurant in town as a carhop and later as an order taker/ caller. Cindy graduated from Liberal High School in 1975 as an Honor Graduate and a member of the National Honor Society. She stayed in touch with several close friends from high school and always loved attending her high school reunions.
Following graduation, Cindy worked for High Plains Pizza (Pizza Hut franchisee) in Liberal, KS, and later at the Panhandle Feedyard in Turpin, OK. It was here she met James Trentham, the love of her life and lifelong partner, who was managing the nearby Hog Heaven that was part of the feedyard. Cindy and James were united in marriage on Nov. 24, 1978, at the T-T Ranch near Floris, OK. She liked driving James’ ’77 Corvette Stingray so much that many people in the community thought the car was hers.
Shortly after getting married, James and Cindy moved to Balko, OK. There are many stories and jokes among family and friends about the proverbial “city girl” moving to the farm and ranch. Cindy learned quickly and grew to love living in the country and in the community of Balko. She loved her home and never wanted to live anywhere else. She was a passionate Balko Bison fan and had a full maroon and white wardrobe. James and Cindy had several agricultural endeavors over the years culminating with the Trentham Hog Farm which opened in 1994. Cindy served as the primary caretaker of the hog farm for many years.
Cindy’s daughter, Carrie, was born in April of 1980, and her son, Matthew, was born in May of 1982. As a mother, Cindy was incomparable. She supported all their activities, volunteered for everything, and was at all their events – rain or shine – with her camera. She would stay up late to help get things finished whether it was 4-H posters, record books, ironing, cooking, or solving the issue of the day. She always figured out a way to make things special, and she was very proud of them both (and told them frequently).
Cindy was known for her love of animals. She had many pets throughout her life and cared for them deeply. Whether the pets were ones the family brought home, or if they simply showed up at the house, they were loved the same. She made sure they all had names and spent many hours and miles over the years looking for them when they were missing to bring them back home.
The real jewels of Cindy’s eyes, however, were her grandkids: Madelyn, Emelie, Luke, and Samuel. She loved being a grandma more than almost anything else. While she spoiled her grand-kids to the best of her ability, the best gift she gave them was time. She spent every minute she could with them and never missed an event – big or small – still with her multiple cameras in tow to document every special moment. She was so proud of all four of her grandkids and took every opportunity to highlight the many things she loved about them.
Cindy was raised in a Christian home and was baptized at an early age. She was baptized again as an adult when she and James joined the Crossroads Bible Fellowship church many years ago. She loved the Lord with all her heart and was always the first one to say, “I’ll pray for you.” or “You might say a prayer for…”. Her home is adorned with crosses and decorations that contain Bible verses as she loved these daily reminders and symbols. Cindy left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on June 27, 2023, at the age of 66. She was a member of the Balko Baptist Church.
Cindy is survived by her husband, James; one daughter, Carrie Trentham of Henderson, NV; one son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Antoinette Trentham of Balko, OK; four grandchildren, Madelyn, Emelie, Luke, and Samuel Trentham, of Balko, OK; one sister, Rhonda Trahern of Winfield, KS; two nieces, Danielle Salinas and husband Elijah of Colorado Springs, CO, and Katherine Denise Tully of Tahlequah, OK; and many cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Joan Trahern, her mother- and father-in-law, B.C. and Irene Trentham, and one brother, Doug Trahern.
Cindy had a quick and contagious smile and was easy to laugh. Her incredible optimism, deeply rooted in her faith, and strong belief that “everything will be okay” touched the lives of many. Cindy’s nurturing and generous heart created a beautiful home where love was abundant, and cherished memories were made with family, friends, and pets. Everyone that knew Cindy loved her, and she will be deeply missed here on Earth. We can rest easier and be assured that she will be waiting for us in Heaven with new stories to tell, pets old and new, and her radiant smile and laugh.
The family suggests memorials be given to the Balko Baptist Church for Falls Creek camp expenses (mail checks to Balko Baptist Church, 129973 EW 26 RD, Balko, OK 73931) or to the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (www.obhc.org/get-involved/ ways-to-give/ honor-memorial/). Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.boxwell bros.com.