Doris Elaine Cunningham

Doris E. Cunningham (née Steckman), born February 15, 1934, in Blue Springs, Nebraska, passed peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 91.

Beloved wife of the late Gene Cunningham; dear stepmother of Patty (Mike) Stohlman and the late Joe Cunningham and Linda Cunningham; adopted mother to Linda Kay Bauer. Cherished daughter of the late Vern and Lois Steckman; dear sister of the late Eldon “Ray” (Nell) Steckman and the late James (Lynn) Steckman. Loving grandmother of Sarah (Steve) Zafirau, Michael (Kiara) Stohlman, the late Lindsay Stohlman, and Jake (Lindsey) Bauer; and devoted great grandmother to Wesley, Eleanor, and Henry Zafirau, Theodore “Teddy” Stohlman, and Mia and Zoe Bauer. She was also a dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

In their early years of marriage, Doris and Gene moved and traveled often, making anywhere west of the Mississippi feel like home before finally settling in Kansas City. They were devoted Chiefs fans and proud season ticket holders since 1967. Doris played an essential role in helping Gene run his drywall and sheetrock business—crunching the numbers, oiling up the stilts, handing out bandages and ice packs after the inevitable falls, and securing new jobs to keep him busy and out of the house.

Doris never met a stranger and carried the warm, eager spirit of a Golden Retriever. She always wore a smile and made a point to stay connected with everyone who crossed her path. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.