Cynthia Lee Baum Gerhardt was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on August 7, 1937 to Elmer "Doc" Carl Baum and Virginia Kuns Baum. She moved to Austin in 1943 when she was just six years old, so Cynthia liked to consider herself an Austin native, such was her deep love for her adopted hometown. After her graduation from Austin High School, she attended Stephen's College in Columbia, Missouri and graduated in 1957 with a degree of Associate in Arts. After her marriage and the birth of her two children, Suzanne "Suzy" Gerhardt Ranney and Sharon Gerhardt, she returned to Austin. Cynthia loved UT men's basketball and politics. She loyally served the Texas State government for 35 years, including the Texas State Capitol for more than 25 years until her retirement December 31, 1995. She served in many roles including Chief Clerk for the Texas House of Representatives, Chief Clerk for the 74th session of the Texas Legislature, Assistant Chief Clerk and at the Legislative Council. As a single, working mother during a time when divorce and single working parents were uncommon, Cynthia relied on her family and a strong work ethic to provide for her children. It wasn't always easy, and there were many challenges along the way, but that she succeeded is well evidenced by the love, strength, success and grace of her daughters, Suzy and Sharon. Cynthia greatly valued her family and was able to spend many years with her parents, Doc and Virginia, who lived in Austin, and with her younger brother, Alan Baum, who lived close by in Houston. She loved being with her grandchildren, Carleton and Virginia Ranney, and her nephew and niece, Alan Baum, Jr. and Caroline Baum, so holidays were always lively and rowdy with the Gerhardt, Ranney and Baum clan. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her daughters, Suzy Gerhardt Ranney, her husband Jack, and their two children, Carleton and Virginia; Sharon Gerhardt; her brother, Alan C. Baum, M.D. of Houston and his children, Alan Baum, Jr. of Houston and Caroline Baum of Washington, D.C.; and her long-time friends, Julie Whitworth Moore, Betty Murray, MariBen Ramsey, Marilyn Sandhop and her many other Austin High School friends; and her friends at Castle Hill Fitness Center. Very special thanks are extended to her wonderful caregivers, Frances Mojica, Jessica Zambrano, Cecilia Mojica, Tiffaney Mojica and Hope Douglas, who brought Cynthia much peace and companionship. Even as Cynthia battled cancer for 10 years, she created, with much love and talent by Erin Curtis, her beautiful home and enjoyed her dear friends, her family, and the latest restaurants and fashions. Services will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar, on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 12:00 noon with graveside services to follow at Austin Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the "The Carleton Ranney Endowment at the Brain & Spine Center" at University Medical Center at Brackenridge (www.setonfund .net) or mailed to The Seton Fund, 1201 West 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78705.