ALTAMONT — Sandra V. “Sandy” Cunningham, 83, of Altamont passed away at 6:35 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Sandra Victoria Koski was born on Sept. 27, 1941, to John F. and Gertrude (Bradley) Koski in San Diego, California.
For 18 years, Sandy worked as a custodian at Labette County High School. Her greatest job and joy came from running a day care where she watched her grandchildren and other children.
She attended Altamont Christian Church for many years.
Traveling with her sisters was one of Sandy’s favorite things. Their travels included going to Washington state, South Dakota the Grand Canyon and Disney World. Collecting snow globes, watching old movies and playing cards were some of Sandy’s favorite hobbies. Sandy will be remembered for her kind heart. She had a love for animals and a desire to help anyone who needed it, especially her children and grandchildren.
Sandy married Jerry Kelsey. From this union were born Jerry and Trudy. The couple later divorced. On Dec. 1, 1964, Sandy married Glenn Eugene Cunningham. From this union were born Betty Jo, Harold “Bo,” Michelle and Connie. Sandy and Glenn just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, and he survives of the home.
Other survivors include a son, Jerry Kelsey and his wife, Diane, of Baxter Springs; three daughters, Connie Cunningham of Altamont, Trudy Yockey and her husband, David, of Parsons and Betty Jo Fentress and her husband, Kim, of Altamont; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; and a sister, Sonya Tweed and her husband, Vernon, of Arvada, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Harold Otto “Bo” Cunningham; a daughter, Michelle Eugenia Cunningham; and a sister, Sharon Bogart.
The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. Interment of ashes will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery in Parsons.
The family suggests memorials to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These can be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
