With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mom, Kay Myers Cunningham Earhart, age 85. She passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Tennessee. She is now at peace after a long struggle with dementia.
She was preceded in death by Donnie Cunningham, husband of 23 years, parents Earle and Alma Myers, and brother George Myers. Kay remarried later in life to James Earhart who passed in 1999.
Growing up, Kay’s family moved often. She attended 16 schools in 12 years, but Lucerne, Missouri, was always considered home where she had close friends and met her husband, Donnie.
After Donnie’s death, Kay attended Northern Illinois University graduating with a degree in social work and then went to work for Illinois Public Aid. After a move to Texas, she worked as a State Advocate for Abused Women and Children. In retirement, she enjoyed travel and crocheting. However, her greatest love and joy were being with children, grandchildren, dear friends, especially Janice Stark and sister-in-law. Marianne Myers. Family was most important to her. A final wish was that the family stay connected to one another.
Kay is survived by four daughters: Dena Farrell, Diane Wright, Donna Cunningham and Tori Tantaris. A sister, JoNell Howitt, five grandchildren: Megan Bennett, Nicolas Watson, Aaron Kennedy, Brent Watson, and Lora Wilson. Eleven great grandchildren: Nathan and Kayla Kennedy, Braden, Abby and Ella Watson, Warren and Maxon Wilson, Cambrie and Caisley Watson, Blakely and Carter Bennett. All held a special place in her heart.
A private burial will take place at the Lucerne Cemetery at a later date.
