Lynn Ann Cunningham

Lynn Ann Cunningham

May 18, 1968 - July 11, 2024

As was her nature, Lynn Cunningham took everyone by surprise Thursday, when she joined her twin sister, Kelly, in Heaven. She entered this world on May 18th, instantly improving the quality of the population of Toledo, Ohio. After her family moved southwest, she spent her youth in Phoenix, Arizona. She then raised her early family in nearby Tucson before finally making her way to Emporia, Kansas.

Lynn is survived by her loving partner, Rick Lortz, and her children: Sarah (Amelya, Lainey, and Madilynn), Rebekah (Nick; Lena and Everett) Chloe, and Gia. She is also survived by her parents, Richard (Kathy) and Donna (Mandy), siblings: Wendy (Scott; Clayton [Rebecca; Lauren, Ben and Lucy], Scottie, and Matthew), Julie (Justin, Stephen [Kayla; Stephen JR, Sterling, Shay, Sullivan], Elizabeth [Joey; Anakin], and Cole), Lori (Jermaine; Kaylie [David], Kyrene, and Jordan), Ricky (Amanda; Brenna, Taylor, Andrew and Audrey), and Scott (Marina;  Emma [Liliana]), and nieces and nephews: Alyssa, Grace (Alani), and James.

She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Kelly.

A viewing will be held Friday, July 19th at Robert’s-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home from 5 - 7pm. A celebration of Lynn’s remarkable life will be held as a come and go event, Saturday, July 20th, from 2-6 at her residence 519 S. West St., Emporia, KS, 66801. Family, friends, colleagues, and community members are invited to join us in honoring her extraordinary legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to United Way of the Flint Hills or Crosswinds as causes close to Lynn's heart, or a direct donation to her youngest daughters, Chloe and Gia, to help support their futures.

Lynn embarked on her leadership journey at the age of 18 with McDonald's, quickly being offered a stay at Hamburger U to pursue her degree in Hamburgerology. Instead, she chose to begin her 25-year career with Wells Fargo and Chase Bank holding numerous positions, including Vice President. Later, she transitioned into community development and non-profit work, making impactful contributions to organizations such as the United Way of Tucson, where she helped establish and implement the Young Leaders Society and collaborated with the American Red Cross. Lynn also dedicated her time to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Throughout her career, Lynn received numerous accolades, including the esteemed “40 Under 40” award in Tucson, AZ, in 2007. Despite raising her young family, she managed to complete her Bachelor of Business Management degree from the University of Phoenix in 2007.

Lynn's altruistic nature knew no bounds. She would selflessly give the shirt off her back to a stranger if it meant improving their lives, and in 2008, she demonstrated her unwavering generosity by donating her liver to a family friend, Riley. In recent years, Lynn made a significant impact in Emporia as a realtor with EK Realty, developer, Flint Hills United Way Chair, Inspiring Solutions Chair for Crosswinds, and Community Housing Board Member for the Land Bank. Above all, her true calling was to support, develop, and most importantly, love the community of Emporia.

Lynn was a true adventurer who embraced life with unwavering passion. Her ability to make everyone she encountered feel valued and cherished was unparalleled. Her belief in the potential of every individual enriched the lives of all who knew her. Lynn radiated love, joy, and kindness, illuminating every room she entered. The memories and the boundless love she shared with us will forever be treasured. Her absence will be deeply felt, and her memory fondly remembered.