Photo courtesy of Stumpff Funeral Home - Crane
Crane, Missouri
Jan 19, 1954 – Nov 7, 2022
Connie Joan Cunningham, daughter of the late Johnnie Albert and Ellen May (Loomis) Holt, was born on January 19, 1954 in Springfield, MO. After a decade-long fight against breast cancer, Connie laid down her sword and went home to her Jesus on November 7, 2022, at the age of 68.
Connie is survived by her brother, Ronnie Eugene Holt; her three children, Travis, Hannah, and Brianna Hughes; one grandchild, Darian Hughes; “her favorite guys” Brad Sobczak (Hannah) and Jason Sanders (Brianna); two nieces; and numerous cousins, family pets, and friends. She was preceded in death by her younger (big) brother, Johnnie Lynn Holt.
Connie graduated from Reeds Spring High School in 1972. Those who knew Connie at that time certainly remember her cruising around the Ozarks with her best friend Stephanie in one of Connie’s memorable cars - most famously her “little Red Rambler!"
After high school, Connie took classes at Southwest Missouri State University before starting her long career as an account relations manager in the telecommunications industry. Connie excelled at customer service and was honored during her time at WorldCom with the prestigious President’s Club award. After the WorldCom bankruptcy in 2002, she worked for locally-owned Tritel Communications, Inc. for over 10 years until she retired.
Outside of work, Connie was an excellent seamstress with a passion for country farmhouse design. She and her daughter Brianna also loved antiquing, and they were known to source unique pieces anywhere they could find them - flea markets, estate sales, and occasionally on the side of the road!
Equal parts sweet, sassy, God-fearing, and determined, Connie never met a stranger - human or animal. Her bright smile lit up every room she entered. Her positive outlook, perseverance, faith, and deep love for her children never wavered, even during her darkest days. Connie was loved by all who encountered her, and she will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022 in Stumpff Funeral Chapel, Crane, MO. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2022 in Stumpff Funeral Chapel, Crane, MO with Mark Wright officiating. Burial will be in Eisenhour Cemetery, Spokane, MO under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane, MO.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor Connie with memorial donations to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.
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It’s hard to find the words but over the years I didn’t see Connie much but every time we meet she was always smiling. Always joyful and happy.
I am sure Connie is smiling in heaven as she was here.
Sending hugs! ❤
Chris McGinnis
December 04, 2022 | Billings, MO | Friend
Wish we would have had an opportunity to meet and know Connie. But, we know and love the bright, beautiful and caring daughter she raised. Hannah has been a joy in our lives for the past 9 years. The legacy Connie left behind as a caring and compassionate, happy person will live on through her children.
The Sobczak Family
November 13, 2022 | Edgewater, MD | Friend
I will miss your laughter, your smile and our talks. We have a lot of memories that will always live forever in my heart. After school when we got off the bus we would race to the garage to get a soda pop. Another one was we would sit in the tall grass in the field between your parents house and grandma’s and talk about boys and laugh until we cried.
The times when i spent the night and Aunt Ellen would get us up at 5:00 in the morning to help get the cows to the barn, we were tired...
Susie loomis Morton
November 13, 2022 | Blue Springs, MO | Family
My dear friend, Connie. There is no sun today which seems only fitting. You radiated a glow of warmth, positivity, and literal sunshine. Your laughter was like music. You danced to the beat of your own drum. I have so many fond memories from our many years of friendship.
One of my favorites will always be spending the day making wreaths. You were so proud of all the gum balls you guys had gathered from your yard and you painstakingly glued them all together over many hours to...
Hannah Eisenhour
November 12, 2022 | Springfield, MO | Friend
I remember sharing many moments with Connie as we attended events or waited for the bus to return our kids from events. It was always clear how much she loved and valued her children.
Kristi Johnson
November 11, 2022 | Clever, MO | Friend
Connie LooI don’t really know when I started calling her that but it stuck. I think maybe because it sounds happy when you say it and Connie was the epitome of happy. I don’t mean a forced happy but a childlike happy that always met up with her faith and she always seemed to have pure joy in her heart.
Not that she didn’t have many struggles in life.I knew this beautiful soul for over 30 years and we “worked” through many things together while working together. She always was my...
Tamara Blasi
November 11, 2022 | Springfield, MO | Friend
Connie was a very special lady in more ways than I can count. I can still see that beautiful smile that would light up any room. She has a very special place in our hearts and will be deeply missed. Connie was very optimistic, a ray of sunshine even in her darkest moments. She grabbed life by the hand and lived it with her heart guiding her along with her love for Jesus. Rest in Peace sweet lady, you'll always and forever be in our hearts!
Clifford and Kathy Costlow
November 11, 2022 | Aurora, MO | Family
Senior Photo 1972
My favorite photo ❤
Hannah Hughes
November 11, 2022 | Dallas, TX | Daughter
To Connie’s family,
I know Brianna and I watched your very brave fight with cancer. I love relationship the two of you had. Brianna’s post made laugh and cry. Tears of joy and sorrow. I will be lifting your family in prayer. I’m so sorry
Sending prayers of peace, love comfort and strength,
Mari Flores
Mari Flores
November 11, 2022 | Fort Worth, TX | Friend
