Cindy Lou Lagle

Local girl from meridian, CA, who somehow refused to stay local

The world feels less fun this week with the passing of Cindy Lagle (Tomlinson), who passed away peacefully after a life lived at full speed, often with sunscreen, a passport, or a golf club in hand.

Cindy Tomlinson was born in Exeter, CA, the second child of Steve and Marylou Tomlinson. Her family moved to Gold Run, CA, and eventually settled in Meridian, CA.

A true farm girl at heart, she proudly showed 4-H steers and helped on the Tomlinson ranch alongside her siblings, Michael and Carol.

She attended Sutter Union High School, where she thrived in sports and was often the standout player on the team.

Competitive by nature, she also brought great spirit and energy to the cheer dance squad, which won trophies at many tournaments.

She trained to be a Registered Nurse at Kaiser Foundation School of Nursing in Oakland, CA.

After graduating she worked as a stewardess for World Airways, helping transport troops involved in the Vietnam War effort.
It was on one of those flights that she met Carl Lagle, an Army officer, and the two instantly fell in love after talking for five straight hours during the flight. Cindy loved telling the story, "I saw him down the aisle of the plane and knew he was the one."

Cindy married Carl soon after his return stateside, and together they turned military life into a world tour.

Wherever the Army sent them, Cindy arrived ready to explore, learn the local customs, and ask where the best beaches were.

She had a legendary case of wanderlust and traveled to nearly every continent with Carl and their daughter, Kristy Lagle Ruiz.

The family lived in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, and visited more than 20 countries.

After returning to the U.S., Cindy served as Head Nurse of the OB/GYN clinic at Fort Ord's Silas B. Hays Army Hospital in Monterey, CA.

Upon completion of her MBA, she co-founded New Directions Healthcare, helping build and manage three practices, including the region's only IVF center, while continuing to provide nursing care.

Through her work, she helped bring thousands of babies into the world before retiring in 2004.

She was an avid scuba diver, devoted golfer, and enthusiastic tennis player who, during especially energetic chapters of life, played nearly every day.

She was also a passionate fan of the San Francisco 49ers and Giants teams, cheering them on through every season.

In retirement, she and Carl spent many happy winters at their beach house in Xcalak, Mexico, where she perfected the art of sunny living just down the beach from her sister Carol.

A member of Peach Tree Golf & Country Club, she was a frequent tournament player who could often be found near the top of the leaderboard; and in a decidedly foul mood if she wasn't.

Those who knew Cindy described her as "a bright light, a ray of sunshine, radiant, accomplished, and unforgettable."

She had the rare ability to walk into a room and improve the mood immediately. She was striking not only in appearance but in spirit, full of contagious energy, warmth, humor, and honesty.

Cindy spoke her mind, gave candid advice, and never held back. People often said she made them smile simply by being herself.

She is survived by her beloved husband, of 55 years, Carl Lagle; daughter, Kristy Lagle Ruiz; son-in-law, Alex Ruiz; cherished granddaughter, Alexandra Sophia Ruiz; children by marriage, David Lagle and Debbie Gettler; siblings, Mike Tomlinson and Carol Waugaman; lifelong best friend, Pat Rodrigues; and her large clan of cherished Tomlinson cousins; extended family; and dear friends.

Celebration of Life to be scheduled later next month.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests booking a trip, taking the scenic route, trying something new, or hitting a golf ball entirely too hard. Cindy would have approved.