Watch Cindy's Memorial Service

Cindy Billington, age 68, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Cynthia Gertrude Antell was born August 16, 1954, in St. Paul, MN, the daughter of Charles and Gertrude (Keim) Antell. At the age of 8, her family moved to Harris, MN, where Cindy attended St. Matthew's Catholic School followed by North Branch High School. Following her schooling, Cindy lived in North Branch for a time before moving to Iowa. She was united in marriage to Donald Beenken and they made their home in Evansdale, IA. The couple later divorced and Cindy moved back to Minnesota. She then spent some time in Missouri, Texas and the Twin Cities Metro but her "Happy Place" was in Mahnomen, where she put down roots and has made her home for the past 20+ years. Over the years, Cindy worked as a CNA and at the casino. Her move back to the area she so dearly loved, allowed her to continue working and take care of her aging mother, Gertie, until her death last year.

Cindy was a kind, loving individual who would give you anything or help in any way if she was able. She loved reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandkids and taking her mom for long drives to go sightseeing. In her younger years, Cindy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing pool. She also had a love for orange Sherbet and made the best homemade pizza and burritos. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cindy is survived by four daughters: Teresa Fleming of Hinckley, MN, Catherine Fenning of Minneapolis, MN, Betty Olsen and Billie Olson of Galveston, TX; three sons: Donald Beenken of Isanti, MN, Richard (Angela) Gillette, WY, and Charles Beenken of Wisconsin; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; four sisters: Charlotte Beenken of Waterloo, IA, Jennifer Lofstuen of Mahnomen, Sharon (Gary) Beenken of North Branch, MN, and Patricia (Donald) Beenken of Sycamore, IL; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Andrew; one great-grandson, Asher; two sisters, Elizabeth Johnson and Annette Cronan and one brother, Charles Antell Jr.

Blessed be the memory of Cindy Billington.

Memorial Services will be held at Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, MN, on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 2:00 pm. A Time of Gathering will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN.