Cynthia Chase-Spilman, 73, of Richland, peacefully passed away on March 25 surrounded by loved ones after complications from her stroke recovery and an onset of pneumonia.

Cynthia was born October 19, 1948 to Gloria (Morgan) Nolder and Palmer Chase in Lewiston, ID. Cynthia and her sister Charlotte (Chase) Henry had a creative childhood full of make-believe with neighborhood kids, naming the chickens after her favorite flowers, hosting tea parties in the backyard dollhouse, and family fun at the rodeos. At a young age Cynthia found passions in academics, swimming, piano, and a disdain for the color yellow.

While attending Clarkston High School, Cynthia was Clarkston’s Junior Miss ’67 and 1st runner up Washington State Junior Miss the same year. She loved making her high school annual class homecoming float, which led to her winning the “white football” trophy for three consecutive years. She was a member of the Scarleteers, Job’s Daughters and Honors Society as well as an officer of Future Teachers of America, President of Girls’ League, and voted both Most Likely to Succeed and Miss Leadership.

In 1967, Cynthia was initiated into the P.E.O. sisterhood joining her grandmother, mother, sister, along with a few aunts and cousins in a long line of P.E.O Sisters. This sorority, building on fellowship among sisters and philanthropic endeavors to support women’s education, was an anchor through Cynthia’s entire life.

Cynthia had a strong affinity for water—called “the daughter of Poseidon” by her own daughter. During her college years, Cynthia was the manager for both the Clarkston Municipal Swimming Pool and the Bert Lipps Public Pool in Lewiston as a certified Red Cross swimming instructor.

Cynthia attended WSU and was a proud Gamma Phi Beta, serving as president of her sorority her senior year. After an exciting experience of a summer session in Hawaii, she graduated with honors from WSU earning a Master’s in Education. She taught at Emerson, Livingston, and Whittier Elementaries where she was a passionate elementary teacher with a flair for producing memorable student assemblies and festive staff lounge parties. Cynthia earned many teacher accolades and awards: 2004 Staff Achievement Grant Winner for exemplary leadership, innovation and service via PSD, 1996 Teacher Appreciation Week student essay contest winner via Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 1994 Award of Excellence poster winner via Hanford Science Center, 1984 PTA Values Award at Livingston Elementary, 1977 Outstanding Educator via Phi Delta Kappa.

In 1979, Cynthia met Paul Spilman on a blind date, for which Cynthia was prompted to purchase her first pair of blue jeans to impress “Tall Paul.” Throughout their courtship, they spent countless hours building their first home on Garfield Hill, as Paul was an aspiring and innovative architect and builder. They were wed in 1981 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Pasco in a beautiful wedding, and then moved into their stunning new home where they hosted many social events and family gatherings over the next several years.

Cynthia and Paul had one daughter, Anne, before Paul passed away in 1987. Cynthia was the most devoted mother to Anne. The two held a beautiful bond of parental friendship, trust, and love. Cynthia was famous amongst Anne’s friends for styling “homecoming” hair and for always having the tastiest treats on hand. Cynthia supported all of Anne’s interests and hobbies, including tennis, arts & crafts, singing, and community theatre. In the late 90s, Cynthia became the volunteer “costumer extraordinaire” at the Academy of Children’s Theatre, where she costumed over a dozen local productions.

The only penchant to rival her teaching expertise was that of party-throwing. Ever the consummate hostess, Cynthia celebrated each and every holiday with incredible parties that included her co-workers, P.E.O. sisters, family, and friends. Some of her favorite holiday festivities included Groundhog Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and partying with “the Girls”—a gaggle of gorgeous collectible witch dolls—at Halloween.

Cynthia retired in 2016 after 44 years teaching elementary. Cynthia celebrated her retirement with Anne on a trip to Hawaii, and then spent her healthy retirement years gardening, antiquing, co-writing the Chase Sisters Cookbook, participating in P.E.O., and celebrating all that life has to offer.

On Thanksgiving 2019, Cynthia suffered a severe stroke. During her two-year recovery process, she was supported by the most amazing teams at both St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla and the Kadlec Healthplex in Richland. In addition to exceptional care by her Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapists, Cynthia’s at-home caregivers gave exceptional and loving help and support. The family would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt thanks to all who aided and cared for Cynthia during her last years.

Cynthia was predeceased by her husband Paul, mother Gloria, father Palmer, Uncle Wayne & Aunt Dorothy Chase, Uncle Levon Chase, Uncle Clinton Chase, and Uncle Richard Morgan. She is survived by her daughter Anne, sister Charlotte and husband Jay Henry, nephew Kevin & wife Sunday Henry, nephew JJ Henry, great nephews Nick, Charlie, and Sam Henry, and step-brothers Harry and John Sullivan.

A private burial was held on April 6, 2022 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Cynthia’s Celebration of Life party will be held on August 16, 2022 from 3:00-5:00 pm at Sunset Event Center.