Marlene Ruth Cunningham

CUNNINGHAM, Marlene Ruth, age 93, of Dayton, OH passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025. She was born on August 6, 1931 in Dayton to the late Michael and Bertha Fischer. Marlene graduated from Julienne Catholic High School and went on to earn her B.S in Dietetics from The University of Dayton (Home Economics Club - Flyer Hangar Club Sec’y - Spirit Committee- W.A.A. C.S.M.C- Homecoming Queen - Perishing Rifle Sponsor 3 - Military Ball Queen 3 - Freshman Queen - Student Senate - Cheerleader 2,3,4). After her education she met her future husband and love of her life Patrick Cunningham; later marrying in July of 1955. The bond, love and support they shared throughout their marriage was exemplary. Together they moved to the Centerville area where she was a devoted mother to her 6 daughters. In her later years Marlene was an avid golfer and could often be found on the greens at Yankee Trace and Community Golf Courses. Above all her dedication to her daughters was second to none, whether it was teaching them her well earned dietetic skills of preparing delicious home-cooked meals, desserts and care of the home, or taking them to their countless extracurricular activities, she was a always invested in her children. Her unconditional love and nurturing spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Marlene is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Patrick Cunningham; daughter, Carol Cunningham; and her 6 siblings.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sherri (Roger) Fitch, Kathleen (Mark) Gordon, Lori (John) Brock, Mary Beth Shores, and Julie (Mark) Barker; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Robin (Elaine)Cunningham; and numerous extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 10-11am on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Routsong Funeral Home, 81 N. Main St., Centerville, OH 45459. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30am on Monday, June 23 at Church of the Incarnation, 55 Williamsburg Ln, Dayton, OH 45459. Burial at Calvary Cemetery Dayton. Memorial contributions may be made in Marlene’s name to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420.