Anna “Marie” (Kelso) Cunningham, 101, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Monday (October 21, 2013) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of Hayden and Anna (Joyce) Kelso, she was born November 16, 1911 in Novinger, Missouri. In 1931, Marie was united in marriage to Kenneth L. Cunningham who preceded her in death in 1989.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Kenna Lynne at the age of 7 and Joyce Sharp in 2013, and one son, Michael Cunningham in 2009.

Marie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Debbie Cunningham of Kirksville, MO; five grandchildren, Terry Sharp, Greg Sharp, Brian Wilson, Heather Murphy and Michael Cunningham Jr., as well as a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marie was a graduate from Novinger High School with the Class of 1929. She took a job playing the piano for silent movies three years and made $1.25 a night for three hours. Marie then worked for her parents when they purchased Perry’s Café for six years. She later was employed five years as the Novinger City Collector and sold Avon. At that time she worked three years as a teacher’s aid before going to work at the student union as a baker six years until retiring.

Marie was an RSVP volunteer for over thirty years and was also a member of Novinger Renewal. She was a devoted member of St. Rose Catholic Church of Novinger and was active with Altar Society.

Family will receive friends Wednesday (October 23, 2013) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a liturgical vigil service, including recitation of the rosary, led by Deacon David Ream at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday (October 24, 2013) at St. Rose Catholic Church in Novinger, with Father Chris Cordes and Father Bill Kottenstette presiding. Music selections will be provided by Dianthe Cable, organist. Interment will follow Mass at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger.

Pallbearers will be Terry Sharp, Brian Wilson, Greg Sharp, Michael Cunningham Jr., Theresa Sharp and Tim Murphy.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Marie Cunningham may be made to St. Rose Catholic Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.