Cynthia (Cindy) May Barben Givans, age 71 of Aldino, Maryland, passed away at her home on Monday, July 27, 2026. She was a cherished wife, sister, grandmother, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her beloved husband of 26 years, James Page Givans; her sister Becky Barben Stout (Jon); her brother Paul (Karen); grandchildren Michael Wood and Andrew Wood; and her uncle Dick Rehmeyer (Joyce). She is predeceased by her parents Paul and Doris Barben and sisters Pamela Magness, Paula Moore, and Linda Bilchak.

Cindy was born on July 23, 1955, the fourth daughter of the late Doris Phyllis Barben and Paul Howard Barben, and one of six children. She graduated from Aberdeen High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Education from Towson State University.

Early in her career, Cindy served as an instructor for the Job Corps program for at-risk young adults at Bainbridge, Maryland. After this, she continued using her instructor skills for the US Army Effective Writing Program at the US Army Ordnance Center and School, teaching army officers and non-commissioned officers’ skills for writing memorandums, awards, and other military communication. Following this, she served as a technical writer and editor for the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (previously named the Environmental and Health Agency), US Army Public Health Command, and the US Army Environmental Command. Cindy won numerous awards throughout her distinguished career for the Department of Defense for excellence in leading projects supporting the health of the Army warfighter. She retired in 2022 after 35 years of government service.

A lifelong resident of Harford County, MD, she was an enthusiastic member and supporter of 4-H programs throughout her life, empowering youth to build real-world skills and strengths. In her youth, Cindy was a member of the Lady Bugs 4-H club and was active in the Harford County chapter of 4-H All Stars. In 1976, she was inducted into the Maryland State 4-H All Stars—one of the highest awards given in 4-H, recognizing outstanding service, character, and leadership. She was a junior leader, camp counselor, and later in life, served as the leader of the Churchville Champions 4-H Club. She also served on the Harford County 4-H Camp Board and was a 4-H indoor exhibits judge at the farm fair. Cindy would light up when she talked about the projects, she did with her 4-H club, and her car was always full of material she was transporting for them.

Cindy was proud to serve as a deacon in past years at her church, Churchville Presbyterian.

For many years, Cindy, Jim, and their grandsons reenacted Civil War battles in full Civil War regalia: Wool uniform, weapons, and accessories for Jim; hoopskirt, long heavy dress, and hat for Cindy; and young period clothes and harmonicas for the grandsons—all in the hottest months of the year. While Jim was on the battlefield, Cindy would set up a class in the camp with a period book to educate participants on what teaching was like during those times, the level of education of the soldiers and general population, and other aspects of that time.

Cindy loved her parents, siblings, and family beyond measure. She and Jim took on the vital role of raising their grandsons Andrew and Michael from when they were toddlers (ages two and three) through young adulthood, giving them a sound and loving upbringing. Cindy was the kind of person that would do anything to support her family and friends. Her friends remember her as kind, supportive, devoted, pragmatic, honest, and with an unmistakable, contagious laugh.

Services will be held at Churchville Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 2844 Churchville Rd, Churchville, MD 21028

• Visitation: 11:00 to 1:00.
• Church service and opportunity for anyone to share their favorite stories and memories of Cindy: 1:00 to 2:00
• Burial service: 2:00 to 3:00 pm
• Return to church for a meal and socialize in memory of Cindy. 3:00 to 5:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Cindy’s memory to the following:

• Leukemia Research Foundation - https://leukemiarf.org/