Cindy Marie Atkins, 68, of Tea, South Dakota, passed away on March 21, 2026, at Sanford Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Miller Funeral Home (Southside location) 7400 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.

Born on October 17, 1957, Cindy grew up in Tea and attended Lennox High School. From the very beginning, she lived life her way—fearless, vibrant, and full of personality. Cindy was the definition of a free spirit: strong, charismatic, hardworking, and unapologetically herself. She was the kind of person who could walk into a room and instantly make it brighter.

Cindy began her career with The Mighty Thomas Carnival in 1978, driving truck. By 1980, she was running a cotton candy, popcorn, and caramel apple stand, creating treats and memories for countless families.

Many years later she co-owned the Midway Grill, serving up burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and fries until retiring from carnival life in 2001. Whenever the carnival came near Sioux Falls, family would come see her and she would walk her nieces and nephews around to play free games and ride free rides! Eventually, when they were old enough to work, she had them helping work in the stands. Those moments became lifelong memories that her family will always cherish. The carnival was more than a job to Cindy—it was a way of life, where she formed deep friendships and became part of an extended family that stretched far beyond the road.

After returning to Sioux Falls in 2001, Cindy partnered with her brother Brian to start C&B Lunch Express. Together, they handmade their food and brought it to businesses across Sioux Falls serving lunch. Many would say they were ahead of their time, helping spark the food truck scene the area enjoys today.

Cindy later began an 18-year career at Showplace Cabinetry in January 2006. She worked in various roles in production before moving into customer relations on October 2015, where she remained until her retirement on November 1, 2024.

Cindy didn't just live life—she experienced it fully. She loved to travel, especially to the South, where she enjoyed the ocean air, great music, and flavorful food—especially seafood and Creole cuisine. She had a deep love for animals and was always the first to lend a hand caring for someone's beloved pet.

She was truly the life of the party. Whether floating in a pool with a drink in hand, music playing, and laughter all around, Cindy had a way of bringing people together and making sure everyone was having a good time. Her greatest love, however, was her family. Though she didn't have children of her own, she poured her heart into her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She showed up, cheered loudly, and loved them fiercely—especially at their sporting events, with wrestling holding a special place in her heart. To them, she wasn't just an aunt—she was Auntie Cindy, their biggest fan and constant supporter. Her love will continue to surround them, and her family will always remind them that she is still cheering them on from heaven. There is no one quite like Auntie Cindy—and there never will be.

She is survived by her mother, Jerene Atkins; her sisters, Sharon Metzger and Carol Atkins; her brothers, Charles (Lori) Atkins and Brian (Lisa) Atkins; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews as well as her best friend Cheryl, who will all carry her spirit forward.
She was preceded in death by her father, Dwayne Atkins; her sister, Michelle Maynor; her nephew, Nathan Metzger; her special "son," Allen; and her beloved grandparents.

In true Cindy fashion, a Rock & Roll Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18th, with additional details to follow. It won't be quiet—so bring your stories, your laughter, and be ready to raise a glass in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Cindy's memory by supporting lung cancer research. Your donation helps bring hope to others and continues the impact of a life defined by love, connection, and generosity.

To donate, please scan the QR code below.