Cynthia Jo Burchfield, 81, of Ballwin, Missouri passed away on April 18, 2026. Cindy was born in Abilene, Texas to Wilbur Merle Fritz and Jo Joyce Fritz (née Longley) on February 2, 1945. She graduated from Abilene High School in 1963 and attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Education in 1967. She later earned a Master of Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1990. Cindy was a devoted educator who spent her career encouraging young learners to be curious readers and creative writers. She taught preschool to third grade, and called kindergarteners her favorite students.

Cindy and her first husband, Larry Spradley, had four children: Stacy, Hope, Kristin and Max. As a mom of four, she shared her love of reading through frequent trips to the library and her love of the outdoors through family camping trips. S'mores and banana boats by the campfire were some of her favorite treats.

Cindy and her second husband, James Burchfield, were married on April 3, 1996. They lived in Mexico, Missouri and were active members of First Christian Church. Cindy enjoyed singing in the church choir, and participating in the living nativity scene every December. She also enjoyed taking walks with her dog and fishing at conservation areas around Audrain County. Cindy was skilled at sewing, knitting, and quilting. She also had an extensive collection of butterfly decor. Her love for animals and the outdoors developed as a child through outings with her grandfather. She had her own horse named Snickers and would often go hunting and fishing with her grandfather. She also had dogs growing up with a special affection for Scottish and Cairn Terriers.

After retirement, Cindy and Jim moved to St. Louis, Missouri to be near Cindy's children and grandchildren. They joined Community Christian Church where they helped with the Stable Sale and other service ministries such as reading and tutoring students from Columbia Elementary School in St. Louis City. Cindy was also an Oasis reading volunteer at Carmen Trails Elementary in Manchester, Missouri, where she enjoyed reading with many eager students including one of her grandsons.

For ten years, Cindy and Jim shared their love of animal knowledge with many visitors to the St. Louis Zoo. As a zoo docent, Cindy especially loved working in the Children's Zoo. She was even certified in handling certain small animals including hedgehogs and snakes.

Cindy enjoyed watching and cheering on her grandchildren who participated in various sports and school activities. She was their beloved GC (Grandma Cindy) and her name brought a smile to their face every time. Cindy was also an avid reader who enjoyed mysteries. In her later years, she and Jim enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and episodes of M.A.S.H. and Jeopardy after dinner. As well as, enjoying some ice cream at 8 pm every night.

Cindy is survived by her children: Stacy Zobrist (Lee) of St. Louis, MO, Hope Watkins (Kevin) of St. Louis, MO, Kristin Spradley of St. Louis, MO, and Max Spradley (Molly) of Denver, CO; her step-children: Kristen Martin (Jonathan) of Raymore, MO and Julie Sewell (Greg) of Mexico, MO; her grandchildren: Cole Zobrist; Kevin and Luke Watkins; and June and Levi Spradley; Kamryn, Ashlyn, Brooklyn Martin; Jokiah and Greyden Sewell. Cindy was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Services: Celebration of life services will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Friday, June 26, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Saint Louis Zoo , the American Cancer Society or the Lewy Body Dementia Association .  Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.