(KAIR)--Atchison and Doniphan Counties are remembering Cindy Hoverson, well known locally as both "The Story Lady" and "Miss Cindy," who died January 30.
According to her obituary, Hoverson, a lifelong rural Doniphan County resident, was 72 at the time of her death.
"Miss Cindy" was well known throughout the region, with Troy's Harman Rohde Funeral Home notice saying "she leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, service, and a boundless love for storytelling," a love shown, in part, through her years of entertaining and educating children in the two counties as a featured library reader of many years. Additionally, Hoverson, noted in her obituary as "a pioneer in her profession," gained the achievement of being the first Kansan to achieve Level 5 Continuing Education certification from the Kansas State Library.
Called "a vibrant presence," Hoverson's "dedication to literacy and youth services earned her numerous honors," including Children’s Librarian of the Year, Woman of the Year, Quality of Life Award, USD 409 Friends of Education Award, Mountain Plains Library Association Children’s Librarian Choice Award, Atchison Christmas Parade Grand Marshal, Juneteenth Unity in the Community Award and Honorary Hobo Queen.
"Miss Cindy" also assisted the Atchison Area of Chamber of Commerce in various roles trough the years, including that of trolley driver, tour narrator, and tour script writer, and was involved as a Boys and Girls Scout Leader, Friend of 4-H, and Youth Leader and Sunday School Teacher at Atchison's First Christian Church. She also served as a member on numerous boards and committees, including the Friends of the Atchison Library, the Kansas Library Association, Friends of Kansas Libraries, Atchison Genealogy Society, Atchison and Doniphan County Historical Societies, and the Atchison Rotary Club, among numerous other public service roles.
Hoverson, whose survivors include 5 children and 4 siblings, will be laid to rest during a graveside service Saturday at Moray Cemetery, in Troy. The burial will follow her funeral service Saturday morning at 10:00 at the First Christian Church in Atchison.
