Cynthia Jane Penrod Adair 1878-1951 Cynthia Jane Penrod was the daughter of David Israel Penrod and Cynthia Ann Smith. She was born on June 6, 1878, in Wallsburg, Utah, which is located between Provo and Heber in Wasatch County. She was the oldest of eight children. Her younger brothers and sisters are David Heber, Susannah, Delbert Alvy, James Arthur, Paul Ray, Dolly Irene, and Loren Rupert.

David and Cynthia Ann left Wallsburg and came to Arizona with their two oldest children. They were active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Cynthia Jane was baptized by E.E. Bradshaw and confirmed by John A. West. Her father, David, baptized Cynthia Elfreda, John Robin, Clements David, and George Daniel. David also blessed Thelma Gladys on April 10, 1910 according to the Lakeside Ward Membership Records.

Both John and Cynthia Jane were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and even held some meetings in their home. The family would get up every Sunday morning, fix lunch, and load up in the old buckboard and drive to Lakeside for church. They would have Sunday School, then lunch with friends, and finally Sacrament services. Sometimes they would visit until late in the evening and then load up for the ride home. They also made the trip for parties and dances. Once in awhile, they rode to Whiteriver for social events.

Several of the Adair boys played instruments and often played at Saturday night dances in neighboring towns.

One night while alone at the ranch, Cynthia heard about a man and his wife who had been murdered. An Oriental man had cut their throats and was on the loose. That night while Cynthia and the kids were in the kitchen, she looked out the window, and staring back at her was the man. She let out a scream that scared the man worse than he scared her. He disappeared, but she stayed up all night holding the rifle. Despite the experience, Cynthia said the happiest times of her life were on the ranch when the boys were all young.

Cynthia was a good cook and had a long table to serve large meals to family and friends. She had a breadbox that was not the typical size. It was big enough to hold several children. She also had a large garden that kept her busy.

On February 17, 1951, the day of her son, Leslie Ronald's funeral, Cynthia's daughter Genevieve had a seizure. Beverly, Genevieve's daughter, ran over to the house to get her grandma. The ground was frozen and icy. After getting Cynthia, they went through the gate to Lar's house and it swung back and hit Cynthia causing her to lose her balance. She slipped on the ice and broke her wrist. Her sister Suzie came and took her to a doctor in Globe, and it was there she found out she had cancer. She progressively became worse and passed away on October 10, 1951, in Pinetop.

Added: Apr. 7, 2009