Phyllis Jean Cunningham

Phyllis Jean Cunningham, 84, passed away on October 27, 2022 in Las Cruces, New Mexico after a long illness with diabetes.
She was born to the late Willis and Irene Muncy, May 28, 1938 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The family worked in the local mines and found their way to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Phyllis graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1956, and after graduation, she took a position at the local newspaper, Carlsbad Current-Argus. She moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1959 and worked for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture at New Mexico State University for 31 years.
She married Wayne Cunningham in 1976, and they lived together in Las Cruces for 46 years. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Wayne of Las Cruces, New Mexico; two sisters: Irma Wagner, of Eufaula, Alabama and Gayle Rhode, of Pampa, Texas; her son Colonel (Retired) Matt Merrick, of Lawton, Oklahoma; her two step daughters and sons-in-law; Doctor Marcel and Cheryl Bizien of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Mr. Todd and Stephanie Ingersoll of Fort Worth, Texas; and her granddaughter, Yasmin Hirsch, of Friedberg, Germany.
Phyllis was an accomplished musician, performing as the church pianist and organist for the First Assembly of God Church and Triumphant Church in Las Cruces for over 40 years. In her free time, she was a passionate seamstress, lover of flowers, and an animal lover, especially dogs. Phyllis was immensely proud of her upbringing, faith, family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Church Triumphant in Las Cruces. The burial will take place on November 18, 2022 at 12 p.m. at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Las Cruces. For those that want to make donations, in lieu of sending flowers, please contribute to the local animal shelters in Dona Ana County.
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