Willa L. Cunningham

Willa L. Cunningham, 81, of Mishawaka, passed away Sunday evening in Michiana Health and Rehabilitation.

Willa was born September 3, 1930 in Missouri, a daughter of the late William and Louella (Swearingen) Wilcoxon. Her father was a Methodist Pastor so the family lived in several communities in Missouri while she was growing up.

Willa earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of Missouri. She taught school in Iowa for one year before marrying Dale L. Cunningham on June 15, 1952. The couple made Mishawaka their home.

Willa taught English at Mishawaka High School from 1952 to 1994. In 1970 she earned her Masters Degree from Indiana University. At the time of her retirement from MHS she was chairperson of the English Department.

Willa was a long time, active member of First United Methodist Church in Mishawaka. Among her church activities were teaching Sunday School and serving as president for many years of the United Methodist Women. Willa started the Saturday Breakfast Club for the church women. She was a member of the Mishawaka Kiwanis Club. Willa and Dale traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

Willa’s surviving family includes her husband of 59 years, Dale; two sons, David Cunningham of Boulder, Colorado and Greg Cunningham of Elkhart; a daughter, Susan Cunningham of Key Largo, Florida; a sister, Dorothy Wilson of Gold Beach, Oregon; and eight grandchildren, Joy, Elizabeth, Katie, Lindsey, Jeff, Matt, Mercy and Ashkey.

Willa was preceded in death by a son, William Dale Cunningham; and a granddaughter, Leah.

Friends may spend time with Willa’s family Saturday, October 15, from 2 - 5 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Services honoring Willa’s life and faith will be held Sunday, October 16, at 2 pm in First United Methodist Church, 201 E. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, with Pastor Larry Whitehead officiating. Visitation will also be Sunday from 1 - 2 pm in church. Burial will take place Monday at 10 am in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church.