LaVera Cunningham

LaVera P. Cunningham died peacefully and unexpectedly in her sleep on Friday, November 23, 2007 in Bernalillo, New Mexico while on a Thanksgiving holiday with family. The heart that provided love, compassion and caring to her family and friends for over 87 years finally gave out.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Friday at Park Avenue Christian Church with burial in Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 PM at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home.
LaVera was born on April 13, 1920 to Stella and John Barnes in Des Moines. She lived her entire life in Des Moines having worked at Dial Finance in the early years and for the Des Moines Public Schools for 28 years serving at Scott and Jackson Elementary Schools.
A 1939 graduate of Lincoln High School, LaVera enjoyed lifelong friendships with classmates at Lincoln and served on the Lincoln High School Alumni Association Board.
As a member of Park Avenue Christian Church she enjoyed attending services as well as serving as volunteer librarian. LaVera’s life was enriched by many friends and relatives.
LaVera loved her family dearly and is survived by her sons: Gary (Sherie) Surbaugh of Leawood, KS; Roger (Elaine) Surbaugh of El Paso, TX; Tim (Robin) Cunningham of Johnston, IA and grandsons Steve (Esther) Surbaugh of San Antonio, TX and Alan Surbaugh of Las Vegas, NV.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Charles A. Surbaugh and her second husband Joseph L. Cunningham.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Park Avenue Christian Church, 3219 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315 or to the Lincoln High School Alumni Foundation, 2600 SW 9th, Des Moines, IA 50315.

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