I decided it better to write my own obituary so that the facts are correct.  Cindy (Cynthia) Turkle, fought the critter (her cancer) until I couldn't kick it down the road.  Born in the cold Iowa winter of January 1951, I proved to be a tenuous fighter though out my life.  I wanted to prove to my brothers that I was more than the family dishwasher.  Determined to have a career, I worked my way for 4 years at Iowa State University, finishing with a BS in fisheries and wildlife biology.

Upon graduation I was offered a position as the first female biologist in Kansas, but my husband of two weeks was reluctant to move, instead he encourage me to try for an Iowa position.  However, even with several years of part-time experience, the Iowa Conservation never even interviewed me for a full-time position.  Discouraged, I worked in the pesticide lab with the Dept. of Agricultural until I was offered a position as a field inspector with the Iowa Dept. of Environmental Quality.  As the first woman in this field there were many roadblocks, but I persevered breaking through the glass ceiling, one hurdle at a time.

While inspecting landfills, I saw the need for operator training and networking and organized what is now the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations.  I organized multiple conferences throughout the state and worked with the national organization (SWANA) for Iowa to become affiliated with them.  As usual, I again faced many "good ol' boy" challenges.

Always wanting to advance my career, I joined the Scott County Landfill Commission, becoming one of the first female directors of an Iowa landfill.  Here I started the first appliance demanufacturing and composting programs in the State.  After several years of overseeing the landfill and the Marion County Landfill, I moved on to consulting.  After a couple of years, I started my own consulting firm, providing knowledge and experience to other solid waste facilities Statewide.

Always wanting to show men that women can do anything, I took up bowhunting.  But after five deer, an elk, and a bear, I found it too easy and preferred to just watch nature's wonders.  I also chose to spend more time with my horses, raising and training them.  They became my main hobby until the multiple myeloma cancer weakened my bones.  I fought the critter for six years before it won out.  We thank Dr. Tom Buroker and his team for trying every treatment available to limit the progression of the cancer, allowing me time to enjoy life.

Cindy is survived by her wonderful husband of 35 years, Daniel Clark, three brothers Ralph (Toni) Turkle, Ray (Lisa) Turkle, and Scott (Therese) Turkle and two sisters, Joyce (Roland) Hammer and Wanda Turkle plus several nieces and nephews.  A celebration of her life will be held 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.  Memorials may be given in Cindy's memory to Wesley Woods Equestrian Center.  To sign an online condolence, visit our website at www.overtonfunerals.com.