Marylyn Rae (Ruhleman) Cunningham

Marylyn Rae Cunningham, a devoted wife, mother, and career nurse, passed away at the age of 89. A woman of profound dedication and care, Marylyn spent her life in service to her family, her patients, and her faith.

Service Information: In accordance with Marylyn’s wishes, a memorial service to celebrate her long and meaningful life will be planned for a later date.

A Life of Service and Learning

A proud graduate of the White Bear Lake Senior High School class of 1954, Marylyn pursued her calling to help others with unwavering focus. She went on to graduate from the Charles T. Miller School of Nursing in 1956, embarking on an extraordinary professional journey.

Marylyn served as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for over 50 years, a remarkable milestone that stands as a testament to her endurance and her heart for healing. Throughout five decades in the medical field, she provided vital care (Nursery Intensive Care Unit) and touched countless lives with her expertise, steady hand, and compassionate spirit.

Faith and Community

Marylyn’s life was firmly rooted in her faith. She was a proud and active member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she found great comfort and a sense of belonging. Her kindness and dedication to her church community reflected the deep values she carried throughout her life.

A Legacy of Love

While her professional life was defined by care for others, her personal life was anchored by her enduring love for her husband, Lester Gene Cunningham. Residents of Paris, Tennessee, Marylyn and Lester shared a remarkable 69 years of marriage—a rare and beautiful testament to a lifetime of partnership, friendship, and unwavering commitment.

Family

Marylyn’s greatest joy was found in the family she and Lester built together. She is survived by:

Lester Gene Cunningham, her beloved husband.

Her four children: Raymond (Sheree), Charles, Sandra, and Joseph.

Her cherished grandsons: Daniel (Shannon), Andrew, and Christopher

Her cherished granddaughters Mikki Katie and Leiha

Her adored great-grandchildren: Aidan and Sienna.

She will be remembered as a woman of strength, a pillar of the nursing community, and the heart of her family.

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