Cynthia Irene Stidham Schuering entered eternal, heavenly peace on Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 64. Cindy was mother to two sons, Evan Paul Schuering and Grayson Gregory Schuering and to her beloved daughter-inlaw, Melinda Schuering. She treasured her time as CiCi to two precious grandsons, Lucas Gray and Milo Lee Schuering.
Cindy was a 1978 graduate of Checotah High School where she was an All-Conference basketball player. She began post-graduate studies at the University of Arkansas and completed her degree at Oklahoma State University. She was pledged to Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at the University of Arkansas. She worked in finance for several years. Later, she completed an education degree at Northeastern State University.
She taught English at Eufaula Public Schools, then finished her career as a Freshman English teacher at Checotah High School. Students remember her as a tough teacher who cared about them personally, even keeping snacks in her room for hungry teenagers. She sponsored the Student Council for many years and began the tradition of Blood Drives in honor of her cousin, Kathy Stidham Jennings. CHS students won many statewide awards for their efforts. Undoubtedly, these blood drives saved countless lives. During the summer, she was a legendary teacher of driver’s ed. Since they had to be on the road driving anyway, she took students to places all over Oklahoma and taught them the history behind each unique place. She retired from teaching in 2022.
She had a comfortable, unique cabin at Wauhillau Outing Club on Baron Fork Creek near Tahlequah where she loved spending time in the river and visiting with many friends. This club was always so important to her.
Cindy had a sharp sense of humor and could keep any gathering entertained. She was generous with her time and any assets she might have. Recipients of her kindness often never knew who was behind their good fortune. Cindy always felt a strong sense of civic responsibility and service instilled in her by her mother, Emmy Stidham. She served on Checotah’s Planning and Zoning Committee for many years. She worked in the Katy Depot Landmark Preservation Society and as a Friend of Honey Springs. She was a member of Chapter BX P.E.O. She was a proud, life-long member of Checotah First United Methodist Church.
Cynthia Stidham was born January 15, 1960, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Donal E. Stidham and Sarah Emmaline (Emmy) Scott Stidham. She is preceded in death by her parents and her son Evan Paul Schuering. She is survived by her son Grayson Schuering and his wife Melinda, parents of grandsons Lucas Schuering and Milo Schuering, all of Checotah; her brothers Mike Stidham and his wife Glenna of Checotah; Gary Stidham and his wife Shelli of Purcell; and Greg Stidham and his wife Ann of Checotah. She adored her nieces and nephews and found much joy in visiting with grand nieces and nephews. Cindy leaves a remarkable legacy of friendships across the state and the nation.
Memorial services for Cindy will be held Thursday, July 25 at 1 p.m.. at Checotah First United Methodist Church. Reverend Mark Watson and Reverend Wayne Loftin will officiate. The service will be live streamed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Oklahoma Blood Institute or to Chapter BX P.E.O. 715 SW 2nd St. Checotah, OK 74426. In her memory, please continue donating blood to local blood drives, as she was very passionate about this.
You may share online condolences with Cindy’s family at www.garrettfamilyfuneralhome. com.
The family of Cindy Schuering entrusted her care, cremation and service to John & Kim Garrett and dedicated staff of Garrett Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services 311 SW 2nd St. Checotah, OK 74426
