Cindy was born August 4,1972, in Ripon, Wisconsin, to Paul and Karen (Hodgson) Larkee. She was adopted by Alan and Barbara (Edmunds) Larkee on November 25,1981. She graduated from East Bay High, Gibsonton, FL, in 1991. She was married to Kevin Exum on February 4, 1995, in Saint Stephen Catholic Church, Valrico, FL. They had one son, Logan, on July 14,1997. They traveled on Tip Top Shows and B&B Amusements with rides and games. After their divorce, Cindy continued to travel with the family show operating her equipment. She started dating Jeff Dills in 2006. They had two children, Lucy Lou Dills 07/21/2009 and Cash Dills 05/05/2012. While with Jeff, they traveled with Tip Top Shows and in 2016, along with Alan and Barbara, they purchased Calkins Midways from family friends, Chuck and Lynn Waterman. They renamed the show Calkins United Shows LLC and played fairs and festivals in Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Florida. After Jeff passed away on January 2, 2018, Cindy continued to operate the carnival for the 2018 season along with her father & mother. After the season, the decision was made to downsize and much equipment was then sold. Keeping the Gondola Wheel, Trabant, and Tea Cup rides, Cindy created and named the new business Epic Wheel Rentals LLC. She booked these rides on D&J Amusements, Amusements of America, and A&P Shows.
Cindy is survived by her mother Barbara; sons, Logan and Cash; daughter Lucy Lou; biological sisters, Paulette (Joe) Francowski of Miami, Fl., Lora Whestphal; brother, Scott (Judy Collins) Larkee of Norwood, MA; nieces, Shea, Maureen & Casey Larkee; nephews, Sam, Joe and Michael Larkee, Cagen Gibson, of Union, SC; aunts, Janet (Gary) Pope of Westfield, Wi., Nyma Larkee of Waupaca, WI., Jean Laree of Superior, WI; and many more nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is proceeded in death by her father, Alan; fiancé, Jeff Dills; biological parents, Paul and Karen Larkee; sister, Nicole Larkee; grandparents, Donald and Verna Von Ruden; aunts and uncles: Uncle Edward and Irene Larkee, Uncle Charles Larkee, Aunt Lois and Cruise Switzer, Aunt Evelyn and Herman Ashley, Uncle Robert Larkee, Uncle Keneth and Jeane Larkee, and Uncle Brian Von Ruden.
She was a gold card Member of the International Independent Showmen's Association, Gibsonton, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scholarship Committee or the Museum Committee.
Cindy is being cremated by Zipperer's Funeral Home in Ruskin, FL. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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