Ruth Hammond Cunningham, 89, of Blue Springs, MO, formerly of Laredo, MO, departed this life Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, MO, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Jess Garfield Warren and Floy Ardenia Smiley Warren (deceased). Ruth married Bill D. Cunningham on June 17th, 1967, who survives at the home. Ruth was a believer in education, working days, attending business college at night. She worked for New England Life Insurance, Kansas City, MO, and later, in her forties, attended college, becoming a registered nurse and working at Veteran's Hospital and Medical Center of Independence, retiring at age 69. Ruth was a lover of nature, especially flower gardening, having beautiful flowers everywhere. Music was another love and Ruth entertained her family as a pianist, learning to play from her mother as a child. Ruth's greatest love was her family, which always was strong and constant. Survivors include husband, Bill; daughter Beverly Hale Fowler of Lee's Summit, MO; son Douglas Hammond (Yuko) of Independence, MO; four grandchildren, Pamela Brown (Devan), Scott Hale (Marie) William Hammond, and Sherry Hammond; seven great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Ruth was a very precious gift to her family and her love shall be treasured in their hearts forever. Memorials in honor of Ruth Cunningham may be made to St. Jude's Hospital, c/o Heritage Funeral Home, 3141 N. Washington, Chillicothe, MO, 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.heritage-becausewecare.com. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012, at Heritage Funeral Home, Chillicothe, MO. Visitation will be at 12 noon. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe. Arrangements - Heritage Funeral Home.

Published in Kansas City Star from January 13 to January 14, 2012