Kathleen “Kathy” Cunningham

 11/18/1948 - 08/04/2025

Kathleen “Kathy” Cunningham, age 76, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Born Kathleen McDonald on November 18, 1948, in Portland, Oregon, Kathy lived a life marked by resilience, dedication, and deep love for her family.

Kathy pursued her passion for beauty and style early in life by attending cosmetology school. Her talent and commitment to her craft earned her multiple awards throughout her career. She went on to own and operate a successful beauty salon in Junction City, Kansas, which she ran with pride for 18 years. Her salon became a welcoming space for many in the community and a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit.

After closing her salon, Kathy continued to demonstrate her strong work ethic, by shifting careers and started working for Sam’s Club. Over the course of two decades, she worked diligently and rose through the ranks to become part of the management team. She later then retired in 2010 after 20 years of dedicated service.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathy was deeply devoted to her family. She was a warm and loving mother to five children: Lyn Sanders of Topeka, Kansas; Sherree Garcia (Robert) of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Akeya Wise (Garry) of Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; William Bivens III of Topeka, Kansas; and Isaiah Cunningham of Cypress, Texas. Her legacy continues through her 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family who cherished her presence in their lives.

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alfred Cunningham; both of her parents; one stepdaughter Tondrala Cunningham; two sisters Debra “Debbie” Romais and Cynthia “Cindi” Cadieux; and one brother Edward “Eddie” McDonald.

In addition to being a devoted matriarch, Kathy had a deep interest in genealogy. She found joy in learning about her ancestry and reconnecting with extended family members. Her faith was also an important part of her life, she loved reading her Bible and listening to sermons that brought comfort and inspiration.

Those who knew Kathy will remember her as a nurturing presence whose strength and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children and supporting those around her with unwavering love.

May Kathleen “Kathy” Cunningham’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.