Barbara Ann Cunningham

Barbara "Barb" Cunningham
February 13, 1935 - November 21, 2025

Barbara "Barb" Cunningham, age 90, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Belvidere, Illinois to Clarence "Sonny" and Elnora Boettcher, Barb was raised in Belvidere and later graduated from Winnebago High School. She married her lifelong sweetheart, Warren Cunningham, on October 18, 1953, and together they recently celebrated an incredible 72 years of marriage, what a blessing.

Barb lived a life filled with service, love, and quiet strength. She helped establish Growth Enterprises and was deeply involved in Milestone and The Arc, continually working to support and uplift individuals with disabilities. She thoroughly enjoyed being a Cub Scout Den Mother for her boys. Throughout her career, she worked at Farm & Fleet, gaining endless stories and unmatched Toyland expertise, and at WREX 13 and First Presbyterian Church as a secretary. Barb also devoted many years to the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department as a dispatcher, auxiliary member, and all-around helper wherever she was needed. She especially loved leading the firefighter wives on fun and memorable adventures during fire school trips.

Barb was the kind of person who gave without expecting anything in return. She lived for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her home was the heart of countless cherished memories; Cattle Call (by Eddy Arnold) playing Sunday mornings to wake her kids, cousin sleepovers with mac and cheese and hot dogs for dinner and waking up to pancakes after everyone slept smooshed in the living room, and the legendary Fourth of July celebrations at the Cunningham home. She always kept the candy jars full, the treat drawer stocked, and enough ice cream treats to rival the ice cream man.

Barb will always be remembered for her love of angels, her infectious smile and laugh, and the unwavering love she showed to everyone she met. Known far and wide as "Gma C.", she welcomed all with open arms. Her presence lit up every room, and although she is no longer physically here, her light and love will be felt forever.

Barb is survived by her devoted husband, Warren Cunningham; her children, Gwen (Les) Fay, Gary (Terrie) Cunningham, and Guy (Darla) Cunningham; her grandchildren, Brock (Kristie), Kati (Xander), Charlie (Brittney), Aletha (Jeremy), Amanda (Dallas), Kelsey (Paul), Phillip (Kaylen), and Noah; and many beloved great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly (Bobbie) Petersen, and numerous cherished relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence "Sonny" and Elnora Boettcher, and her angel daughter, Gaye Odeane Cunningham.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department or New Life Bible Church (Pecatonica, IL), two places that meant so much to Barb and our family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 4th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at New Life Bible Church, where loved ones can gather to share memories and honor her beautiful life. The Funeral Service will take place the following morning, Friday, December 5th at 10:00 AM, also at New Life Bible Church. After the service, a private graveside burial will be held for immediate family as we lay her to rest with love.