Cynthia Ruth Otto

Cynthia Ruth Engelke Otto was born on April 27, 1931 to Herbert J. and Verda (Ellingboe) Engelke in Watertown, Wisconsin. It was there that Cyndy was baptized and confirmed in the Moravian Church. She married Edward Louis (Ed) Otto on May 3, 1952. After the birth of their first daughter Cathy, they moved to Florida where Ed was stationed with the Navy. Together they raised five daughters, Cathy, Patti, Laurie, Debbie and Andie. It was in Florida where Cyndy became a member of the Lutheran Church.

After Ed’s discharge from the Navy, the family stayed in Florida a few more years followed by a transfer that would relocate them to Hacienda Heights, California. In California they both became active members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The Otto family then moved to Fajardo, Puerto Rico in 1966, followed by a final move to Arlington, Texas in 1968, where they joined Grace Lutheran Church.

Both Cyndy and Ed were active members at Grace Lutheran Church. Cyndy served in the Sunday School office for many years where she enjoyed watching her numerous friends, their children and their grandchildren grow in their faith with our Lord. Cyndy was an active member of the Grace Choir (for all the years she was able to make those stairs to the balcony). She was a lifetime member of the LWML and enjoyed her work with the Lutheran Braille Workers as well as the Peacemakers’, here at Grace. Cyndy was also a member of the Tarrant Lutheran Chorale and the ABWA and she served as a Girl Scout Leader in Puerto Rico and Arlington. Cyndy was a member of the Texas Rangers Women’s Club for a few seasons where she enjoyed numerous ball games. Even up to a couple years ago she could talk about any of the players’, their positions on the field, who were the favorites and until this past season pretty much never missed a game if she could find it on TV. Cyndy enjoyed camp outings with Grace Lutheran families and numerous potlucks (she was the Taco Salad master). Cyndy truly cherished her longtime friendships from Grace Lutheran.

Over the last 6 years, while residing at Asher Pointe, Cyndy enjoyed beading, sending cards to family and friends, Bingo games, Wheel of Fortune and jigsaw puzzles, and especially visits from family and friends. When the grandchildren along with great grandchildren visited, her topic of discussion would be all about their visits. Her friends and the staff there, continually told us girls and her how blessed she was.

Over the years Cyndy was blessed whereas her five girls married and their families grew. Cyndy is survived by her five daughters, Cathy Wesson, Patti (Dean) Ross, Laurie Freeman, Debbie (Brent) Burns, and Andie (Randy) Wimpy. Cyndy held a special place in her heart for her numerous grandchildren: Matt (Erika) Wesson, Daniel (Ada) Wesson, Amanda (Shane) Blevins, Katie (Jeremy) Guy, Will Ross, John Brent Freeman II, Chris (Christina) Freeman, Jon Freeman, Jana Freeman, Adam (Kelley) Burns, Lauren (Ben) Shepherd, and Lindsey (Matt) Hopper. Cyndy was also blessed with 20 Great Grandchildren. Additionally, Cyndy is survived by several nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Cyndy was preceded in death by her husband Ed Otto (1975), her son-in-law Brent Freeman (2021), and her son-in-law Gary Wesson (2024).

The family will receive friends at Grace Lutheran Church, 210 W. Park Row Dr, Arlington, Texas 76010 on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00 am with the Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 am. There will be a short reception following immediately after in the church gym.

Interment will be at a later date at the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in honor of Cynthia R. Otto to Grace Lutheran Church, Arlington earmarked either the General Fund or Lutheran Braille Workers.