Cynthia Ann (Wagaman) Yerkes

Cynthia Ann (Wagaman) Yerkes unexpectedly passed away at home the morning of April 25, 2023. She was 59 years old.

Cynthia was born in Canoga Park, California on August 24, 1964 and adopted by her loving parents, Paul and Shirley Wagaman. Later in life, Cynthia was fortunate enough to be reunited with her biological mother, Terri Preis. She valued her family relationships and, with genuine interest, always made the effort to stay up to date with her family members and friends.

Cynthia graduated from Davis High School in 1982, where she especially excelled at Extemporaneous Speaking. She then attended Brigham Young University, graduating in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Dance. Using her skills, she even had the opportunity to help choreograph some performances of the Cougarettes. Cynthia’s avid desire to learn motivated her to continually seek self-improvement throughout her life. Such ambition aided her in successfully working in retail, marketing, and business administration.

While she was still studying in Provo, Cynthia enjoyed exercising at the gym. One unforgettable December day in 1985, as she was soaking in the hot tub, Cynthia met Todd Yerkes, a charming fellow gym member. He became her best friend and the love of her life. On May 15, 1986 they were married and sealed together for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.

Cynthia had a great love for life, which was manifested by her having survived cancer 3 times! She was strong and undaunted when facing life’s challenges, always demonstrating optimism and trust in God. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, having served in many callings including Sunday School teacher, Primary teacher, Nursery leader, Young Women secretary, Relief Society compassionate service leader, and Relief Society teacher.

Cynthia loved baking and cooking (and her family and friends certainly benefited from her talent). She delighted in sharing her culinary skills with others so much that she was even writing her own cookbook. She took great joy in scrapbooking as well, compiling photos and memories to be cherished forever. Cynthia also enjoyed traveling and vacationing, and if given the choice, she would have spent all her time soaking up the sun on the beach. Above all, Cynthia loved her boys. She was a “mama bear” who defended her sons at every opportunity and supported them in all their interests.

Cynthia is survived by her husband, Todd, her two sons Michael (Kylie) and Jacob, her parents, Paul and Shirley, her siblings, David (Shawna), Kate (Dustin), and Sue (Kent), her biological mother, Terri (Barry), and her half siblings, Michael, Jody, Kendy, Brianna, and Merridith, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service and celebration will be held in her honor on May 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gardens LDS Chapel on 9 West 550 South, Kaysville, Utah. A farewell hour will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

An informal celebration of life will be held at the bowery outside the church building from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your favorite charity. If you would like to help the family with funeral expenses, you may make a contribution to the GoFundMe account set up in her honor at:

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main Street, Kaysville, Utah.