Cynthia "Cindy" Dawn Harden

Cynthia “Cindy” Dawn Harden, age 71, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Cindy was born on January 15, 1955, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in 1973. She was employed by the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne for many years before retiring after 22 years of dedicated service with the Teamsters Union in Fort Wayne.

Cindy was an avid reader who rarely went anywhere without a book in hand. She also enjoyed collecting a wide variety of treasures throughout her life. Known for her generous spirit, Cindy was the kind of person who would give anyone the shirt off her back. She loved welcoming the neighborhood children into her home, always making sure they had something to eat while her own children were growing up. Her kindness, compassion, and heart of gold touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her son, Aaron Werst of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Brandi Summers of Fort Wayne, Indiana; son, Scott (Jerrica) Harden II of Fort Wayne, Indiana; four grandchildren; brothers, Fritz Gulker of Ossian, Indiana, and Rick Werst of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister, Susie Puckett of Columbia City, Indiana; Step-sister, Sandy Hutchinson, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Cindy was preceded in death by her mother, Pat Gulker; stepfather, Fred Gulker; son, Travis Summers; grandmother, Junia Kratzman; and brother, Donnie Werst.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835.

In accordance with Cindy’s wishes, cremation will take place following the visitation.

To sign the online guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.hessfuneralhome.com or find Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Facebook.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Fort Wayne, Indiana.