Ellen Jo Cunningham, 80, of Toboso, Ohio died Saturday morning, December 16, 2017 at Heath Nursing and Care Center.

Born February 13, 1937 in Camas Valley, Oregon, she was a daughter of the late Joe and Daisy Mae (Thrush) Kirkendall. Mrs. Cunningham was a homemaker and a former cook with Licking Valley Schools. She had previously worked as a cook at several area restaurants. She was Christian by faith and was a member of the Eastern Star in Hanover.

Surviving are two sons, Calvin (Tammy) Cunningham of Kyle, Texas and Michael (Kandy) Cunningham of Toboso; a daughter, Kelly (Doug) Hadlock of Newark; twelve grandchildren, Christina Witherspoon, Candice Cunningham, Justin Cunningham, Terry Robertson, Melissa Perry, Mikey Cunningham, Jason Metz, Justin Metz, Chad Johnson, Kasie Johnson, Shannon Johnson and Erica Heminger; thirty-eight great grandchildren; two brothers, Ted Kirkendall and Lynn (Freda) Kirkendall, both of Camas Valley, Oregon and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Forrest L. Cunningham, whom she married February 25, 1956 and who died April 2, 2016; a granddaughter, Mandie Cunningham and two sisters Louise Smith and Ardith Courtney.

The Cunningham family wants to give a very special thanks to the staff of Generation Hospice for the loving care given to Ellen.

Calling hours will be 5pm to 8pm Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Frazeysburg Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 110 West Third Street.

Funeral services will be 1:30pm Thursday, December 21, 2017 at the funeral home with Pastor Anthony Payton officiating. Burial will be in Newark Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.