Leona Ann Cunningham

Leona Ann Cunningham was born on November 9, 1939, in Downey, California to Ira and Almira Della (Jack) Bailey. She passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, in La Plata, New Mexico leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family.

Leona attended and graduated from Sanford High School in 1958, where she met the love of her life, Dennis Cunningham. Their love story began as teenagers and grew into a devoted marriage that lasted 61 years.

Leona was a dedicated mother and grandmother whose love was felt in every stitch sewn, every slice of cake baked, every camping trip taken, and every family reunion planned. Leona found deep joy in baking cakes for every celebration, sewing, and quilting. Her quilts were far more than blankets—they were keepsakes of love, wrapping her family in warmth and care. Her love for children extends beyond her family in her time spent caring for kids of at Child Care Castle. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings throughout her life and living her faith through quiet service and unwavering devotion.

Leona is survived by her children: Leon “Bud” (Teresa) Cunningham, Craig (Mindy Jill) Cunningham, and Denice “Sis” Ferguson. Her beloved grandchildren who lovingly called her Honey or Grammie Honey and who truly could do no wrong—are Ashli (Rowdy) Sanchez, Lachelle (Tony) Batenburg, Taylor (Dustin) Burns, Magen (Duston) Crawford, Kevin Cunningham, and Tyler Cunningham. She is also survived by her treasured great-grandchildren: Trevelyan “Tre” Persson, Delani Sanchez, Jaici Sanchez, Kameron Burns, Aspen Batenburg, Finnley Burns, Jaxson Crawford, Oaklyn Batenburg, and Lennox Burns. Leona is survived by siblings Walter Bailey, Bonnie (Jack) Boden, and Edna Stowell, along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.

 She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis Cunningham; her parents; her brothers Robert Bailey and Ira Dale Bailey; and her son-in-law Melvin “Ray” Ferguson. 

Celebration of Leona's life will be held Thursday, February 12th, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 400 W. Apache Street, Farmington, New Mexico. Visitation will be held at 10 am with services to follow at 11 am. Interment will be Friday, February 13th, 2026, at 12:00 pm at the Sanford Cemetery, in Sanford, Colorado.