Eloene Lois “Ellen” Cunningham

Eloene Lois “Ellen” Cunningham passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas at the age of 92.

She was born on June 14, 1929, at the family farm in Rooks County to James and Caroline (Smith) Albright.

Ellen was a lifelong resident of Rooks County and attended Stockton High School. After school, she married Linus Rogers. The couple was blessed with four children: David, Patti, Loie, and Jim. She spent her early years raising the children and taking care of the home until they became old enough to go to school. She then started work at the courthouse in the Treasurer’s Office and later became a Probate Judge Assistant, and then a Probate Judge. After the years working for the county, she became a bookkeeper for a local Ford dealership until she and Linus became owners of K & R Tanking Service. Before Linus’s passing in 1992, they sold the dealership and retired. Ellen and Linus loved to square dance weekly—even several times a week—with the “Swingin’ Wheels” square dancers. She league-bowled for 40 years and was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for many years.

In 2002, Ellen married DeVane Cunningham and the couple enjoyed almost 20 years together. They enjoyed traveling and just enjoying their retirement together. Ellen stayed busy with her friends and family. She cut and permed hair for friends and the kids, took care of some local elders, was very involved in her grandchildren’s lives, and when she had some time to herself, she sewed, crocheted, admired the butterflies she attracted with the milkweed she grew, and played the piano. 

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Linus; parents, James and Caroline Albright; siblings, Donald Albright and Lela Doughty; son-in-law, Jerry Sterling; and one great-grandson, Christian Sterling.

Ellen is survived by her children: David (Merena) Rogers of Nixa, Mo., Patti (Jerry) Sterling of Stockton, Loie (Jim) Lewin of Salina, and Jim Rogers (Lorna) of Stockton; a sister, Ruth; ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton. Visitation will also be held Monday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until service time. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North First, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com