Cynthia (Cindy) Lynn Rogers Decker, age 56, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 21, 2024, after a five-year journey with ovarian cancer, which she faced with courage, faith, kindness, humor, and grace. Cindy was born March 5, 1968, in San Diego, California to Harlon H. Rogers and Sharon Veneta Green Rogers. She married her eternal sweetheart David Lee Decker on July 31, 1987, by being sealed together in the Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Cindy developed a deep love for seeking truth through reading, research, and education. This passion led her to graduate from Snowflake High School in 1986 with distinction, attend Brigham Young University (BYU) from 1986-1987, graduate from BYU Idaho Pathway in 2017, graduate with an associate’s degree from BYU Idaho in 2019, and then graduate with a bachelor’s degree in professional studies from BYU Idaho in December 2022, summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. She passed this love of learning along to her five children through her tender and selfless decision to homeschool her children from 1994-2003 and then again from 2008-2012.
She was a prolific researcher and writer and prepared several extensive books and manuscripts that she shared with friends and family including The Odyssey – Journal of a Homeschooling Mom (2017), A World Chronology of Ancient Civilizations (2017), The Words of Jesus of Nazareth (Extracted Textually from the New Testament) (2019), The Words of Jesus Christ (Extracted Textually from the Book of Mormon) (2019), On Eagle’s Wings: My Ovarian Cancer Journey (2021), REVERSAL: My Ovarian Cancer Journey, Part II (2024), and Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (2024).
Cindy grew to love family history and during her five-year cancer journey added countless memories to Family Search and other family history sources including several recorded and transcribed interviews with her parents, parents-in-law, and grandmother-in-law. She loved music and was an accomplished musician on both piano and guitar. She was an all-around outstanding athlete, having played on Snowflake High School’s first state championship softball team in 1986, several city and church championship softball teams, and in later years taking up golf.
Her steadfast faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ was a key foundation of Cindy’s life. She served with dedication as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as ward Young Women’s President, ward Relief Society President, Relief Society, Primary, and Sunday School teacher (including serving at her death as a Primary teacher with her husband Lee), ward Scout Committee Chair, stake Girl’s Camp Director, ward and Primary accompanist, and Primary chorister.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Lee Decker; her five children, Keri Ford, Camille Carrasquillo, Nikole Squires, Justin Decker, and Bryce Decker; her six grandchildren, Audrey Ford, Benson Ford, Bentley Carrasquillo, Max Ford, Isaac Carrasquillo, and Gwen Decker; her parents, Harlon Rogers and Sharon Green Rogers; and her two sisters, Suzie Webb and Karen Wood.
A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint chapel on 7752 E. McDowell Rd, Mesa, Arizona. A family only viewing will be held Friday evening, November 29, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr, Mesa, Arizona.
If you are unable to attend the services, please click on the following link to livestream the service: https://zoom.us/j/97247984464
The following is a YouTube link to a slideshow: https://youtu.be/ty2zOQLQOIE
Please click on the following link to view a video recording of Cindy’s funeral service: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QICGoVapbS894cCv4IXGZlFNJAVm2-8T
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
We will cherish our years as neighbor and friend spent with Cindy and her family. Also the many callings we served in together. I am familiar with Cindy’s amazing desire to constantly learn as we spent hours on my couch talking about so many subjects. Most of all I loved her meekness. Always kind, considerate and loving while at the same time strong and confident. Cindy, you are forever etched on my heart. Give my friend and Savior, Jesus Christ an embrace from me and I’ll see you again…soon!
I’m very sorry for your loss. I would like to share a comforting scripture. Psalms 34:18,”Jehovah god is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Her daughter Nikole brought me into the church. I’m sure she will be missed. She’s in a better place now. My condolences
I just learned of Cindy’s passing so I’m still a little taken back. I didn’t know she had been struggling these past 5 years. Many condolences going out to all you family members who are heavily impacted by this loss. Some life experiences are just tough and this is one of the toughest. Actually, I’m kind of jealous of where she is now but it can be so hard on those left behind. So sorry for your loss and much love to all of you. Helen Bair
I love Cindy and cherish the memories I have with her. I will miss her and pray her family will be comforted.
We did not know Cyndy personally but we’d like to expression our sincere condolences to all of her family. Precious grand daughter to Jewel and Herb Rogers, daughter of our cousin Harlan and to his sweet wife Sharon. God be with you as you say ” we’ll see you later, dear daughter. ” We know of the loss you feel today.
I am so sad to hear of Cindy’s passing. Her family moved next door to my family when she was in grade school. Even though we were 2 years apart in age, we became friends. I loved her so much! She was so talented and such a quick learner. It seemed like she became an amazing pianist really fast. I have always admired her throughout these years. Sending love and prayers to all of her family.
What a beautiful soul. The amazing summary of her life illuminates her gifts and legacy. We’re so sorry she was not able to remain longer in this mortal life. We’re so sorry for her family. May God bless you all.
Cindy was a dear friend during High School and allowed me to escort her to several of the major dances. She is fun, funny, talented, smart, wise, and was always an example of our Savior Jesus Christ. My thoughts and prayers go out out to your family as they will so miss her in the coming days and years.
I sure loved Cindy! I loved being her visiting teacher and being taught by her during our visits! She was so down to earth and humble. One of my favorite things I witnessed with Cindy was when she was the primary chorister. She had so much fun with the kids, she never hated away from dressing up and being silly to help them learn to love music. She was a gem no matter where she was serving. What a great example she has been!