Ruth Elizabeth Cunningham

Ruth Elizabeth Little Cunningham, 67, of Marietta, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2011, in Marietta Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on July 24, 1944, in Wheeling, WV, a daughter of George J. and Ruth E. Broemson Little.  Ruth was a graduate of Triadelphia High School in Wheeling and West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV.  She was a retired teacher having taught at Pioneer Preschool, St. Mary Catholic School and Marietta City Schools.  She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.  She was an organist and minister through her music.

On June 19, 1965, she married C. J. Cunningham who survives with their children:  Jan Chovan of Marietta, Ben (Jaime) Cunningham of Marietta and Josh (Heather) Cunningham of Shepherdstown, WV; grandchildren:  Kelsie Sears, Isabella and Jacob Chovan, Matthew and Mackenzi Cunningham, Ellie and Samuel Cunningham and sister-in-law Siggie Little of Benwood, WV.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 1, at 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Michael Campbell as celebrant.  McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial donations are requested to St. Mary Catholic Church Restoration Fund or Strecker Cancer Center.

The family extends their great appreciation for the exceptional care given to Ruth by the staff at Marietta Memorial Hospital, Strecker Cancer Center and Riverside Interventional Radiology; most especially Dr. Kelli Cawley and Dr. Brian Schirf for giving her strength, hope and determination.  Words cannot describe our gratitude.