Ruth F. Cunningham

Ruth F. Cunningham, age 99, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at her home in Franklin Park, while in the company of family and caregivers. A native of Philadelphia, she was the firstborn child of Patrick J. Farley and Florence Wilkinson Farley and given the name Florence Ruth Farley. With the untimely death of her father, Ruth at 3 years old, became a resident of the Baptist Orphanage of Philadelphia. Although she was separated from her family during this time, she maintained a deep connection with them and her Scottish heritage. At the age of 16, she met and married Robert F. Cunningham, a student at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This was the beginning of a 76-year marriage - until Robert's passing in 2019, and a lifetime devoted to Christian ministry and to her growing, extended family. From 1942-1945, Ruth joined her husband in serving the West Creek Baptist Church in New Jersey. They then moved to Western Pennsylvania -- returning to Robert's roots, accepting a call to the Olive Branch Baptist Church in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County. In 1952, their ministries called them to the Franklin Park Baptist Church. For the next 33 years, Ruth made many great friends in her church and community as she raised their family of six children while living in the parsonage on Locust Road. Ruth volunteered at Franklin Elementary School, taught Sunday School, participated in women's ministries, and in many ways, served the growing, active, vital congregation of Franklin Park. Upon retirement from active ministry in 1985, Ruth and her husband remained devoted to church work through the Pittsburgh Baptist Association, and later, were invited to re-join Franklin Park as valued members. Most important to Ruth, she had time to devote to her 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Ruth loved the sound of bagpipes, massed bands on parade, reading a dozen library books per week, a good bargain and most of all her family. Her children include Robert Bruce (Judith) of St. Barnabas, Margaret Elizabeth (David Kelly) of McCandless, Lawrence Albert (Louise) of Evans City, Jennis Elaine (widow of William E. McGahee, Jr.) of Hampton Twp., Lance Richard (Deborah) of Scott Twp., and Howard Scott (Sally) of Wheeling, WV. Grateful appreciation is extended to granddaughter Amanda Carver, her husband Christian, and son Benjamin with whom Ruth lived and who gave her much love and care. A special thank you is given to Scott Blackburn for his years of loving service as her caregiver and friend. A special thank you for Ruth's daughter-in-law, Louise Cunningham, who generously gave her time to provide care and companionship. A private service is being planned for a later date. Those wishing to honor her memory may do so by gifting to the Franklin Park Baptist Church, 2470 Nicholson Road, Sewickley, PA 15143. Professional services entrusted to Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238; www.thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com.

Ruth F. Cunningham

December 26, 1926 - April 4, 2026