Betty L Cunningham

Our mother, sister, aunt, cousin and grandmother, Betty Lou Ellis Cunningham went to be with her Lord on December 16, 2014. Betty was born on February 7, 1930 in Charleston, West Virginia to the late Richard and Maxine Ellis. She was the middle child to her sister, Peggy and Joann. The Ellis girls moved to California in 1944 after the death of their dad two years prior. As a child, Betty enjoyed roller skating, singing with the Salvation Army Band, horseback riding, helping around the house and crafts. She attended Leuzinger High School and went into retail; her first job was with Woolworth's Department store. Nancy remembers Betty telling her that her first paycheck and purse were stolen, cut right off of her shoulder while waking up stairs. She soon met the love of her life, Dale Cunningham, while tending bar. They married and raised five children, her pride and joy, Sheena, Donald, Charles "Charlie", Franklin "Frank" and Nancy. In 1957, they purchased their first home in La Mirada, CA and stayed there until 1976. Her children recall her making all of their clothing; the only items bought from the store were jeans for the boys. Not only a housewife, mother and aunt but an active community member as well; she volunteered with March of Dimes and for the PTA at her children's school and along with Dale led Cub Scouts. Betty's heart was filled with gold, many Thanksgivings she would send Dale out to the VFW to find a stranger without a family and invite him into their home for dinner. Once Nancy was situated in school, Betty returned to the workforce as a supervisor for Mutual Plastics, until 1972. The Cunningham's accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as their personal Savior in 1972 and Betty and Dale refocused their lives and became very involved with their church. In 1976 the family moved to Norco, CA and shortly after, Dale and Betty became "Empty Nesters", giving Betty time to spend on her favorite hobby, Crafting. After moving to East Wenatchee in 1988 Betty was able to take her hobby a step further and open a craft store "Country Fair"; located in both Valley Malls, her daughters and daughter-in-law would help her tend store. Knowing how much Betty loved crafting and the importance of the store, Dale assisted in helping until her 17 year battle with Parkinson's finally was too much. Betty moved first to Highline and latter to the Vistas. Betty was well liked and a friend to anyone and was never alone. She was known as the "Macy's Girl", never under-dressed - no matter the occasion. Dale visited daily and stayed all day, they loved the staff and the staff loved them. Numerous family members were always stopping by to say "Hello" and her great-grandchildren were always a hit with the other residents. During Betty's last few weeks her family saw how incredible the staff was and how "loved" she was to each of them, as they would stop in and say their goodbyes. Betty a hands on family member, devoted to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, was not alone when she made her journey home; she was surrounded by her family. A staff member said that he could tell how wonderful of a person Betty was by her family showing their support during her last days. "Wonderful" is an understatement. Betty is survived by her husband, Dale Cunningham; five children and their spouses, one sister, 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild and many nieces, nephews and friends. Viewing will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014 from 1-4 pm at Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee with Funeral Services on Monday, December 22, 2014, 11:00 am at the Wenatchee First Assembly Church with Pastor Jerry Beebe. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park, East Wenatchee. You are invited to view her online tribute at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Honored to serve the family, Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Betty L Cunningham

February 7, 1930 - December 15, 2014