Norma L. Cunningham

Norma Lee (Berschauer) Cunningham passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015 at her home in WaKeeney, Kansas at the age of 79. She was born June 25, 1936 in WaKeeney to the late William and Mollie (Deines) Berschauer. She grew up in WaKeeney and graduated from Trego Community High School. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she remained a lifetime member. On December 27, 1957 Norma married Bill Cunningham in Lawton, Oklahoma. They were blessed with five children, Rick, Becky, Terry, Janet and William. On their 55th Wedding Anniversary, Norma and Bill renewed their vows in the church. Norma worked for 42 years at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital and Long Term Care, first as a Certified Nurse’s Aide and later as the Activities Director. She truly enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening along with baking and cooking family dinners. She was especially known for her amazing bierocks. She liked vacationing and traveling with her family, an occasional trip to the casino and spending time with her grandchildren. A member of the Trego County Hospital Auxiliary and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Norma’s greatest love were the people in her life. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors or patients, she was always more concerned about the welfare of others than of herself. Giving wasn’t just a good idea, it was how she lived every day of her life, even leaving a legacy of future giving through her death by donating her body for medical and science research. Norma is survived by her husband Bill Cunningham of the home in WaKeeney; sons Rick Cunningham and wife Nancy of Ellis, Terry Cunningham and wife Kim of WaKeeney, and William Cunningham of Ellis; daughters Becky Oller and husband Paul of WaKeeney, and Janet Durheim and husband Steve of Ellis; brother Bill Berschauer and wife Lila of Albert; sister Merna Ellertson and husband Dave of Salina; grandchildren Jena Stunkel and husband David, Briana Towner and husband Michael, Travis Elder and wife Harlea, Sara Cunningham, Eric Cunningham, Matthew Cunningham, Jamie Durheim, Emily Hiss and husband Michael, Derek Kvasnicka, and Sierra Cunningham; great-grandchildren Odin Reif, Kyliee Towner and Lola Stunkel. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Mollie Berschauer. The Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We are so blessed because of all that Norma gave to each and every one of us, but now she is even more blessed as she hears the words of her Heavenly Father, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your father.” Reception: Bethlehem Lutheran Church